WO2007003935A1

WO2007003935A1 - Control apparatus for a heating and/or cooling system

Info

Publication number: WO2007003935A1
Application number: PCT/GB2006/002467
Authority: WO
Inventors: Wilfred Lamb; Martin Bowman
Original assignee: 1.Call Research & Design Limited
Priority date: 2005-07-01
Filing date: 2006-07-03
Publication date: 2007-01-11
Also published as: EP1910904A1; GB2427934A; GB2427934B; GB0513489D0

Abstract

Control apparatus for a space heating and/or cooling system controlling the temperature of a number of rooms or zones, said apparatus having timer controller means that can be programmed to switch on and off space heating/cooling devices in associated rooms or zones in accordance with preset timer control information, wherein timer control information can be entered into the timer controller means as individual time cycle programs for each associated room or zone.

Description

CONTROL APPARATUS FOR A HEATING AND/OR COOLING SYSTEM

This invention relates to improvements in or relating to control apparatus and is more particularly but not exclusively concerned with heating control apparatus, for example, for controlling a domestic central heating system.

Domestic central heating systems may include hot water radiators that can be controlled collectively by a timer/programmer or wall thermostat. Some heating systems include thermostatic control valves for individual radiators such that, where the temperature of the room in which the radiator is located exceeds a preset value, a control valve automatically shuts off the flow of hot water to that radiator. Despite the availability of control apparatus having a programme controller for setting various off and on cycles of hot water radiators and/or hot water systems and individual thermostatic controls for individual radiators, it is believed that such systems are not as versatile, critically controlled, and/or user-friendly and/or efficient or cost-effective as they may otherwise be.

European Patent Specification No. 0221 205 shows an arrangement for controlling individual space heating or cooling apparatus according to a collective programmed time cycle for all of the zones. It is believed that such an arrangement is not as user fiϊendly or versatile as it otherwise could be involving the user to program information regarding on/off periods for all of the space heating/cooling devices in a single time cycle. Furthermore, it is believed that the bladder type flow control devices used may be disadvantageous in certain instances. It is an object of the present invention to at least alleviate the aforementioned, or other, disadvantage associated, with control apparatus e.g. for central lieating systems and/or to provide control apparatus which is improved in at least some respect.

According to the present invention there is provided control apparatus for controlling a space heating and/or cooling system and thereby controlling the temperature of a number of rooms or zones, said apparatus having timer controller means that, in use, may be programmed to switch on and/or off, or vary the temperature output of, space heating/cooling devices in associated rooms or zones in accordance with preset timer control information, the arrangement being such that, in use, timer control information can be entered into the timer controller means as individual time cycle programs for each associated room or zone.

Further according to the present invention there is provided a method of controlling the temperature of a room or zone according to preset time controlled information, said method including controlling the temperature of the rooms or zones individually or independently according to associated time cycle control information preset independently for each room/zone.

By the present invention, advantageously, completely independent timed control of each space heating/cooling device may be achieved according to a time cycle programmed specifically for an associated room or zone rather than, for example, individual space heating/cooling devices being controlled individually according to a single preset collective time cycle program for all of the heating/cooling devices. Thus, it is envisaged that in embodiments of the present invention it will be quick and convenient in most cases to enter specific time cycle control information for a particular room or zone only, rather than having to set a complete time cycle for all of the space heating/cooling devices albeit with only certain or selected space heating /cooling devices being arranged to be activated at certain times.

It is believed that the present invention is particularly appropriate for heating systems and more particularly for domestic hot water central heating systems having one or more space heating devices in the form of radiators in the rooms or zones. The central heating system may be a combination boiler system or a non-combination system. In a non-combination system one of the zones may be a hot water cylinder and heating of the water may be controlled by an electric immersion heater activated by the timer controller.

In such heating systems, preferably timer controlled signals can be sent out to activate pulse operated valves of the control apparatus associated with the radiators in order to open or close the valves or indeed to partially open or partially close the valves in order to achieve the desired flow of hot water to the particular radiator/s in order to achieve the required temperature for that room or zone.

The pulse operated valves themselves may be subject to thermostatic control from a thermostat provided in the room or zone or elsewhere so that if a certain temperature is achieved in the room or zone or in the vicinity of the location of the thermostat, the pulse operated valves or valves may be shut off or otherwise controlled in a generally known manner. Alternatively, separate thermostatic valves may he provided, for each radiator.

Usually, the preset timer controller information will be effective to switch on or off one or more space heating/cooling devices but could operate to set a heating/cooling level (for example by allowing only a partial flow of hot water to a radiator rather than fully opening a valve).

A circulation pump may be provided to pump heating fluid (water) around the radiators and often the cause of system failure is failure of the pump. Therefore, advantageously, pump monitoring means may be provided to trigger an alarm if the differential between fluid input temperature to the pump and fluid output temperature is above a threshold value.

Furthermore, it is envisaged that in some embodiments of the present invention there could be fuel savings of 50% or so over other central heating systems.

Further according to the present invention there is provided control apparatus for controlling a space heating and/or cooling system and thereby controlling the temperature of a number of rooms or zones, said apparatus having timer controller means that, in use, may be programmed to vary the temperature output of space heating/cooling devices in associated rooms or zones in accordance with preset timer control information, the arrangement being such that, in use, timer controlled signals can be sent out to activate pulse-operated valves or switches of the control apparatus, associated with the space heating/cooling devices. The puke-operated valves will usually be solenoid valves since these are usually able to withstand continual or hard use.

Further according to the present invention there is provide a timer controller for control apparatus for a space heating/cooling system, said timer controller being of a format including individual control buttons or keys correlated, in use, with associated space heating/cooling devices arranged in rooms or zones, such that individual or independent timed controlled cycles can be programmed into the timer controller for each room or zone.

Preferably, the timer controller includes a control panel having graphic or alphanumeric indicia on or adjacent the control buttons or keys correlated to the particular associated room or zone. Preferably, the control buttons or keys may be illuminated or lit up at certain times (possibly in different colour modes indicating the status of program setting for the particular room or zone).

The timer controller may be provided with a front display panel or cover that may be hinged or otherwise connected to the control panel and, preferably, which is releasably lockable thereto.

The timer controller may be arranged to control the space heating/cooling devices by electrical connections and/or by remote control and the timer controller may be set up to be responsive to signal information sent, for example, via a telephone line and/or from a computer or mobile phone via the internet. Further according to. the present invention- there is provided control apparatus for controlling a heating and/or cooling system comprising one or more of the following features:- a) facility for receiving independently programmed time cycle control information for individual associated heating and/or cooling devices for controlling the temperature of associated rooms or zones, b) a timer controller having a number of control buttons or keys each correlated to a particular zone, preferably by graphic indicia c) a timer as in b) in which the buttons or keys can be lit up, d) pump monitoring means including temperature sensors, in use, sensing the temperature of fluid to and from a pump and means to monitor the temperature difference between the sensors in order to trigger an alarm at a threshold temperature value, e) line checking means, f) frost protection, g) a summer mode setting, h) a time date clock, i) a heating off switch, j) a 1 hour advance facility, k) a room thermostat, 1) a holiday mode, m) a frost mode. Further according to the present invention there is provided method of controlling a heating and/or cooling system, comprising telephoning an operator to control a remote timer controller and said operator accepting payment for sending an input control signal from a remote location to operate the timer controller.

Many other advantageous features of the present invention will be apparent from the following description and drawings.

Embodiments of control apparatus for a domestic central heating system will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following simplified, diagrammatic drawings in which:-

FIGURE 1 shows an overview of a first embodiment of a control apparatus incorporated in a domestic combination central heating system including a timer controller and space heating devices in the form of hot water radiators;

FIGURE 2 shows an overview of a second embodiment of control apparatus incorporated in a domestic, non-combination fully pumped system including a timer controller and space heating devices in the form of hot water radiators;

FIGURE 3 shows a schematic of central heating controller outputs from a timer controller of either embodiment of the control apparatus;

FIGURE 4 shows a front view of the timer controller featuring a front display panel, and FIGURE5 afrontview of auormally hidden control panel, of the timer controller shown in FIGURE 4.

Referring to FIGURE 1 of the drawings, a domestic combination hot water central heating system 1 has a plurality of radiators 2, in use, located in associated rooms or zones (zones 1 to 8) of a house (not shown).

The temperature of each radiator 2 is governed by a thermostatic valve 2a in a known manner.

Additionally, and advantageously, in accordance with this embodiment of the present invention, each radiator 2 is connected to a pulse operated solenoid valve 2b (zone control valve) controllable by time signal pulses generated by timer controller or control panel 3 (see FIGURES 3 to 5) according to preset timer control information entered as an individual on/off time control cycle for that radiator.

Facility is provided on the timer controller 3 for presetting time cycle control operation separately and independently for each of the zones 1 to 8, in a manner to be described.

Each radiator 2 is flow connected in parallel with each other radiator 2 (see zones 1 to 8) in a water flow circuit W including a combination heating boiler 4 in a generally known manner. In use, hot water may flow from the boiler 4 in the selected, radiator 2, via the associated zone valve 2b, controlled, in this instance, by a timer controlled signal input along the associated hard-wired electrical connection path 2c from the control panel.3- Water may exiteaeh. radiator 2 after dissipating.lieat.to the..associated. room or zone via the associated thermostatic valve 2a to be returned to the boiler 4.

As will be evident from FIGURE 3, the timer controller 3 has various control functions including electrical connections 2c to each of the eight zones (zones 1 to 8) and to a summer switch S for a non-combination central heating system V, for example, as shown in FIGURE 2.

The non-combination central heating system V shown in FIGURE 2 is similar to the combination central heating system shown in FIGURE 1, except that an external pump P is provided rather than an internal pump in a combination boiler 4, and a separate hot water cylinder H (in use containing water that may be heated by an electrical immersion heater via line a - see FIGURE 3) is provided in the water supply circuit W, as shown in FIGURE 2.

Facility is provided on the time controller 3 to preset independent, individual time cycle control operation for each of the zones 1 to 8 (in FIGURE 2 zone 8 is actually the hot water cylinder H).

FIGURE 3 shows an electrical connection line b to the boiler 4,4" and an electrical connection line c to the external pump P, an electrical connection line d to monitoring pump overrun and electrical connection lines e and f to temperature sensors and external sensors. Advantageously, the temperature sensors (not shown) are provided downstream and upstream of the pump P in FIGURE 2 in order to measure a temperature differential (via thermostats or other sensing means) indicative of failure of the. pump (the main cause of system, failure).. An additional line g may be provided . to an external telephone line to enable control of the timer controller 3 from a remote location such as via the Internet.

The timer controller 3 includes a control panel 3 a and display panel 3b (see FIGURES 4 and 5) as well as a central processing unit or microcontroller (not shown) and internal thermostat/s. Additionally, the timer controller 3 includes a pop-out switch h to enable the hinged, front display panel 3b to be moved relative to the control panel 3a to allow time cycle information to be preset on the timer controller 3.

The control panel 3a includes eight equiangularly spaced circular control buttons Bl- B8 correlated to the eight zones, zones 1-8, of the central heating system l,r shown in FIGURE 1 or FIGURE 2. The buttons B1-B8 are interchangeable snap or click fit buttons or have interchangeable indicia. For example, zone 1 may be a kitchen area and correlated to button Bl having a graphic symbol of a knife and fork. Button B2 has the graphic symbol of a bed and may be correlated to a particular bedroom zone (e.g. zone 2) and so on for the remaining buttons B3-B8 each having appropriate graphic symbols correlated to a specific room or zone.

Once a particular button B 1-B8 is pressed, on/off time controlled cycle information can be entered into the timer controller 3 for the correlated zone via the menu control key Cl, back control key C2, and the UP and DOWN and acceptance control keys C3,C4, C5 whilst viewing the alphanumeric indicia information displayed on the time display panel C6. Once ,time cycle informatioa has been entered, into the timer controller .3 for a particular zone, another one of the buttons Bl -B 8 can be pressed in order to set time cycle control information for that zone totally independently of the time cycle control information for any of the other zones.

Once all the time cycle information has been entered into the timer controller 3 via the control panel 3b, the display panel 3a can be moved into the closed position covering the control panel. Each button B1-B8 is surrounded by an annular light L (LED) which may or may not be illuminated in a variety of different colours to indicate the status of the radiators for a particular zone. For example, a light of one particular colour may indicate that a radiator is switched on and a light of another colour may indicate that although a radiator is not on, time cycle information has been preset into the timer controller 3. If the light L is not illuminated at all this may indicate that the radiator itself is off and no preset timer control information has been programmed into the timer controller 3.

Although FIGURES 1 and V show an eight zone pattern, in practice any number of zones may be provided, and in particular, the system can readily be upgraded in multiples to 16, 24, 32, 40 and 48 zones.

For a better understanding of the operation of programming the timer controller 3, there now follows a step-by-step process of programming the timer controller.

Timer Controller Setup Procedure Power up initialisation

I Set time

I Set date

I Set Zones

I Return to Menu

I Maintain normal operation

Note 1. The selected zone LED (light L) will illuminate amber whilst programming and will flash green for 1 second when that zone is completed.

Note 2. If a zone is no longer required to be on, it must be selected and the first on / off times of each program entered as AM 00:00 - AM 00:00.

Note 3.. The user will not be promptedto.input the. remaining, three, on time ranges if the first on time range is AM 00:00 - AM 00:00.

Note 4. O's will be removed from the front of times in the hours field - eg: AM 9:50 (not AM 09:50). Note 5. In situations where a value is to be adjusted by the UP (C3) & DOWN (C4) keys, the UP key is used, to increment a value and DOWN key is used to decrement a value.

Note 6. Pressing and holding an UP or DOWN key will result in an auto scroll.

Power Up Initialisation

• Check sensors

• Check valves

Set Time

On entering the "Set Time" routine... LCD: Ll ="SET TIME" (displayed for 2 seconds) After 2 seconds the following is displayed... LCD : Ll = "Set Hour"

L2 = "AM [0]:00" ([ ] flashing until key press)

Upon pressing of the UP or DOWN keys bottom line stops flashing and top line changes...

LCD : Ll = "Enter to accept"

L2 = "AM l:00"

The UP and DOWN keys increment or decrement the 12hr AM/PM clock by 1 hr per press of the key. The Enter key is used to accept the hours field value. LCD: Ll ="Set Minutes"

L2 ="AM 9: [-0QJ" ([ ]. flashing until- key press).

LCD: Ll ="Enter to accept"

L2 ="AM 9:33"

UP and DOWN keys are used to increment or decrement the minutes by lmin per key press.

The Enter key is used to confirm the minutes field and submit the new time.

Set Date

On entering the "Set Date" routine... LCD: Ll ="SET DATE" (displayed for 2 seconds) After 2 seconds the following is displayed... LCD : Ll = "Set Day"

L2 = "[00] JAN 00" ([ ] flashing until key press)

LCD : Ll = "Enter to accept"

L2 = "01 JAN OO"

The UP and DOWN keys increment or decrement the date field by 1 day per press of the key. The Enter key is used to accept the date field value. LCD: Ll ="Set Month"

L2 ="01 [JANJ 00" ([ ] flashing until key press)

Upon pressing of the XJP or DOWN keys bottom line stops flashing and top line changes...

LCD: Ll ="Enter to accept"

L2 ="01 FEB 00"

The UP and DOWN keys increment or decrement the month field by 1 month per press of the key. The Enter key is used to accept the month field value.

LCD: Ll -="SetYear"

L2 ="01 JAN [00]" ([ ] flashing until key press)

LCD: Ll ="Enter to accept"

L2="01 FEB 01"

UP and DOWN keys are used to increment or decrement the year by 1 year per key press.

The Enter key is used to confirm the year field and submit the new date

Set Zones

On entering the "Set Zones" procedure the following is displayed... LCD: Ll ="Z1 : OnI" L2 ="AM [00] :00" ([ ] flashing until key press)

LCD: Ll ="Enterto accept"

L2 ="AM 00:00"

The UP and DOWN keys increment or decrement the hour field by 1 hour per press of the key.

The Enter key is used to confirm the hour field value.

LCD: Ll =¹¹Zl : OnI "

L2 ="AM 00:[00]" ([ ] flashing until key press)

LCD: Ll ="Enter to accept" L2="AM 01:15"

The UP and DOWN keys increment or decrement the minute field by 15 minutes per press of the key.

The Enter key is used to confirm the minute field value and submit On time 1.

LCD: Ll ="Zl : Off 1"

L2 ="AM [00] :00" ([ ] flashing until key press)

Upon pressing of the UP or DOWN keys bottom line stops flashing and top line changes... LCD: Ll - 'Enter to accept"

L2 ="AM 00:00"

The Enter key is used to confirm the hour field value.

LCD: Ll =¹¹Z1 : On1 "

L2 ="AM 00:[00]" ([ ] flashing until key press)

LCD: Ll ="Enter to accept" L2=" AM 01:15"

The UP and DQWN keys increment or decrement the minute field by 15 minutes per press of the key.

The Enter key is used to confirm the minute field value and submit Off time 1.

If On time Range 1 is set to "AM 00:00 - AM 00:00" then skip to Zone 2. Otherwise continue with Zone 1 \ On time Range 2 in the same way as above. At the end of On time Range 4 go to "Set Zone 2" and complete in the same way as above. At the End of Zone 8 \ On time Range 4 return to main menu.

If the user inputs incorrect data at any point in the procedure they will be prompted with a "Data Error" message and beprompted to re-enter the data, (including, but not limited to, chronological disorder and overlapping of ranges). The timer controller menu structure is as follows:-

Timer Controller Menu Structure

SELECT PROGRAM

PROGRAM A

PROGRAM B

SUMMER MODE

TEMPORARY MODIFICATIONS

SELECT PROGRAMo SELECT DAY

■ SELECT ZONE

• ONTIME 1 o ONTIME 2

■ ONTIME 3

• ONTIME 4 o DURATION

PATTERN

MODIFY PROGRAM

PROGRAM A PROGRAM B o ALL DAYS o MONDAY o TUESDAY o WEDNESDAY o THURSDAY o FRIDAY

SATURDAY SUNDAY

■ SELECT ZONE

• ONTIME 1 o ONTIME 2

■ ONTIME 3

• ONTIME 4 o APPLY CHANGE TO ALL NON MODIFIED DAYS?

SET TEMPERATURE (NOT VISIBLE IF INT ROOM STAT DISABLED)

X°C

SET TIME & DATE

SET TIME o SET DATE

HOLIDAY MODE

START DATE END DATE

ENGINEERS SETTINGS

INTERNAL ROOM STAT EXTERNAL ROOM STAT ZONE 8 HOT WATER ENABLE EXT FROST STAT EXIT MENU

The timer controller functions are as follows:-

TIMER CONTROLLER FUNCTIONS

INITIAL SETUP OF PROGRAMME

During the initial setup the engineer will enter default times for programmes A, B, Saturday and Sunday. This will copy the data in the following fashion to each of the registers...

Copying the data to individual registers for each day enables easy modification of the programme later for days that need independent control of timings and zones.

MODIFYING PROGRAMME

The user is asked to specify which Programme, A, B, Saturday or Sunday they wish to modify. If the. user selects A or B they are prompted to choose whether they wish to. modify one specific day or all days in that programme. Next the user selects the zone required, and then adjusts each of the on time ranges in sequence. Upon completing the user is asked to confirm if they wish to overwrite the previous data or cancel. TEMPORARY MODIFICATIONS

The temporary modification feature allows the user to change the heating schedule on a temporary basis, without having to modify the core program. For example: Supposing I want to set up my heating to come on later on Tuesdays because of a 6 week evening class I am attending. The temporary modifications function allows me to specify which Programme, A or B, to modify. It then prompts me to input which Day to modify and then the Zone. It can then tell the heating to go off while I'm out, and come on for say 9pm -10pm when I return. After inputting the on time ranges, I am prompted to tell the programme how long to sustain this modification; in this case six weeks. The next prompt asks how often I would like this modification to be repeated, (ie - everyday, today, 2 days, 3 days, a week, 2 weeks.... ) which in this case is a week.

A breakdown of the functions of the Timer controller are as follows:- Timer Controller - Breakdown of functions

No settings should be attempted until all peripheral equipment is connected and checked.

Time date clock.

During normal operation the time is taken from the 50Hz mains but under power fail conditions it must continue using the system clock. During a power fail all other functions must cease, as there is no point in continuing them. This will result in maximum accuracy, as there will only be the power fail pin to monitor so that the normal mains sunk clock can take over as soon as it is restored. Therefore the mains present pin needs to be constantly monitored in all operating modes. This clock must know and adjust automatically for: days in the month, leap years and BST for the next 15 years.

Heating off switch

The heating off switch may be located near the front door of the dwelling or house being heated for easy convenient usage. Upon pressing, the system turns off all zones that are being heated and maintains a temperature not less than 3⁰C lower than the preset living temperature in the house. This ensures that the house doesn't become too cold, and that it can be quickly brought back up to temperature with little energy later. This reduced temperature should provide significant energy savings through the day.

The maximum range of time that this function will work for is 12 hours. When this 12 hours has elapsed normal operation from the programme will resume. Upon re- entering the house the homeowner simply presses the button again to bring the temperature back up 3⁰C.

If the heating is not required for a whole day or more, the Holiday Mode feature should be utilised.

Summer Mode

This function enables the user to disable the heating system in summer without sacrificing hot water if using a non combination boiler. Summer mode is under "Select Programme" in the menu. 1 Hour Advance

The Advance facility is a non menu driven option that is accessed purely from the ZONE buttons. The effect of pressing a ZONE button is to immediately switch on that ZONE for 1 hour plus the time to the next scheduled 1/4 hour update. The blue LED associated with that ZONE will also light for the duration. Whilst any ZONE is in Advance, a second press of the ZONE button will switch off the LED instantly but not that zone until the next 1/4 hour update.

Room thermostat.

The control will house a temperature sensor and DC amplifier fed to an A-D input so that it can be used to limit the maxiaium temperature of the-heating. If the temperature set in the menu (15 - 25C ) is reached, the heating will shut down regardless of the zone requirements. This function can be switched off or replaced with an external contact type room stat in the menu.

Holiday mode

When holiday mode is selected the heating ( and hot water if non combination) is switched off from midnight ( at the end of) the date selected until midnight ( at the beginning of) the return date when the program selected for that day will commence.

Frost protection.

The same temperature sensor as used for the room thermostat can also be used as a frost stat. When no heating is being called for the sensor is to be checked every 15 minutes to see if the room temperature has dropped to or below 3C. If it does frost mode should commence. Frost mode can also be initiated by either an external contacttype. stat orby either of the pump fail sensors reading 3C or less. There. is no menu requirement for frost protection.

Frost mode.

When frost mode is triggered the control will open all the radiators and run the pump continuously until the trigger is removed. After 15 minutes, if the water temperature as measured by either of the pump fail sensors is above 3 C, stop the pump and check again every 15 minutes. If the water temperature is not above 3C the boiler and pump are switched on for 15 minutes. The room stat should then read above 3C and the system reverts to normal frost monitoring. If the room stat still reads 3C or less the boiler should stay on for a further 15 minutes until it does read 3C+.

Pump monitor.

As previously mentioned a common cause of system failure is the circulation pump: By placing two pipe temperature sensors, one each side of the pump (P) and a distance apart, the operation of the pump can be monitored. 5 minutes after heat is called for the sensors should be checked. There should be less than 3C difference between them. 3C or less, no action, 4C or more, switch off the boiler, flash "PUMP FAILURE" / "CHECK AIRLOCK" / "CALL ENGINEER" on the display and bleep the buzzer. Pressing ENTER on the control will cancel the buzzer, a second press will cancel the display and restart the program. If the fault still exists, the sequence will repeat. Line checks

Each time a valve is driven the electronic drive circuit checks for a current drive within acceptable limits. Should an open or closed circuit condition occur a valve fault condition is reported on the LCD display "VALVE FAILURE" / "CHECK WIRES" / "CALL ENGINEER" and the buzzer is sounded. All other functions perform as normal. Pressing ENTER on the control will cancel the buzzer, a second press will cancel the display and restart the program. If the fault still exists, the sequence will repeat. If external sensors (room, frost, pump ) are connected and turned on in the menu, the input signal from these is monitored for an out of range reading during initial set up, and each time they are accessed. An out of range reading will result in the following actions.

External room thermostat fault, indicate "ROOM STAT FAULT" and the control then refers only to the internal room stat reading, even if switched off in the naenu: External frost stat fault, indicate "FROST STAT FAULT" and the control then refers only to the internal frost stat reading, even if switched off in the menu. Pump stat fault, indicate "PUMP STAT FAULT", disable the pump monitor routine and refer to the other pump stat, if working, for frost protection. If neither pump stat is functional, use the frost function of the internal sensor.

Advantageously, in the embodiments of the present invention aforedescribed each valve 2b is of a pulse operated solenoid type for example as manufactured by a company called General Imsubs of the following specification:-

General imsubs

Specifications of Self-Latching Water Solenoid Valves (Primary) 1. Type: Pilot operated diaphragm type.

2. Coil Type: Self latching coil, intermittent duty.

3. Operating voltage: 6 V DC / 9 V DC / 12 V DC. Valve should operate when supplied current -by discharging 4700 MFD, 12 V Capacitor (pulsed current)

4. Power supply system: Capacitor discharge, reversible polarity type. Valve is operated tøy supplying current through capacitor discharge type power sμppiy. When current is supplied on one polarity valve is actuated and remains in same position till power is supplied in reverse polarity. See Diagram 1.

5. Operating Temperature: Ambient 45° C Maximum, Fluid temperature 60° C Maximum.

6. Operating pressure: 0.2 to 6 bar.

7. Burst pressure: Minimum 16 bar.

8. Expected life: More than 100 000 cycles of 3 second ON / 3 Second OFF.

9. Coil life: Minimum 250 000 cycles.

10. Water Hammer: Less than 1 bar at 6 bar pressure.

11. Water Flow rate: 5 LPM at 0.3 bare pressure and less than 35 LPM at 6 bar pressure.

12. Proposed hydraulic connection: ½" BSP Threaded inlet / outlet (male thread)

13. Over all size: 80 mm L X 65 mm H X 30 mm W (Provisional dimensions, may change a bit once final product is designed) 14. Number of ports: 1 inlet X 1 outlet

Valve operation schematic diagram:

Valve Body

Inlet Outlet

Coil

Terminal 1 + ve Terminal 2 -ve

Position 1, if valve is in closed condition and coil is supplied voltage by discharging 4700 MFD capacitor charged by suitable power supply (pulsed current)* than valve comes in open position and remains open till supplied current as shown in position 2

Valve Body

Inlet Outlet

Coil

Terminal 1 - ve Terminal 2 +ve

Position 2, when valve is opened by supplying current as mention in position 1, it can be closed only by supplying current as mentioned above.

Valve remain in off position till power is supplied as mentioned in position 1, Power- is supplied by discharge of 4700 MFD capacitor (pulsed current).

The main advantage of such valves is that only a brief pulse of low voltage DC (6- 12 volts) is required to change the operating status of the valve from 'open' to 'closed' and vice versa. The state of the valve is changed by reversing the polarity of the supplied signal pulse. Advantageously, unlike conventional solenoid valves, there is no power being consumed to maintain either state. Thus, no heat is generated in consequence of trying to maintain a changed state and the life of the valve is not limited by the burnout time of the coil.

The body of the valve 2b has a mechanism (in common with conventional solenoid valves) that utilises water pressure to hold the valve in the selected state. However, unlike a conventional valve, the valve 2b can remain in either state by residual magnetism rather than by the application of an electromagnetic force.

The Applicant has introduced further advantageous features into the control apparatus as follows:-

Combi / conventional switch - New

The 'Combi / conventional switch' is a software switch and is set during the initial programming of the control. Its function is to determine the functionality of zone 8 of the control. When set to 'Combi' zone 8 works exactly as the other 7 heating zones. When set to 'conventional' zone 8 becomes the hot water timer and control. An external hardware adapter is required to interface the control to either an immersion heater or 3 port valve.

Summer Switch - changed

The 'summer switch' is a mechanical latching switch located under the front flap of the control. Its function in the 'summer' position is to disable the heating programs whilst maintaining the frost protection and manual override facilities. If 'conventional' has been selected during initial program setup, zone 8 which is the dedicated hot water control will continue to function.

Special zone control facility - New

This facility can only be used with a combi boiler or a conventional one where hot water heating control is not required. It is set by configuring the control during initial set up as a 'conventional' boiler. Its function is to maintain heat to a zone that requires heat all year round regardless of the summer switch position. This could be a drying / airing cupboard, shower room or the area used by an ill or infirm person where a minimum temperature is required all year round. An additional room thermostat should be installed and wired as if it were the hot water tank thermostat as used with a conventional boiler.

Zone advance - changed

These are mechanical momentary switches that can be accessed with the front cover closed. The 'advance' function is dependant upon the current setting of each zone as determined by the program in operation. If the zone is on when the button is pressed then that zone will switch off and remain off until the next on time as determined by the program.

If the selected zone is off then that zone can be switched on instantly by pressing the button once. This will override the program and keep that zone on for one hour from the next quarter hour zone update time. If the button is pressed twice within a 5 second period then that zone will override on for 2 hours from the next quarter hour zone update time. If the button is pressed three times within a 10 second time period the function will be cancelled and the override will cease.

If the selected zone has been overridden on for more than 10 seconds, pressing the button once will cancel the override causing the zone to switch off.

This feature can be used at any time and as many zones as required can be overridden simultaneously.

It is to be understood that the scope of the present invention is not to be unduly limited by the particular choice of terminology and that a specific term may be replaced or supplemented by an equivalent or generic term. Further it is to be understood that individual features, method or functions relating to the control apparatus, timer controller or space heating apparatus might be individually patentably inventive. The singular may include the plural and vice versa. Additionally, any range mentioned herein for any parameter or variable shall be taken to include a disclosure of any derivable sub-range within that range or of any particular value of the variable or parameter arranged within, or at an end of, the range or sub-range.

Claims

1. Control apparatus for controlling a space heating and/or cooling system and thereby controlling the temperature of a number of rooms or zones, said apparatus having timer controller means that, in use, can be programmed to switch on and/or off, or vary the temperature output of, space heating/cooling devices in associated rooms or zones in accordance with preset timer control information, the arrangement being such that, in use, timer control information can be entered into the timer controller means as individual time cycle programs for each associated room or zone.

2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 comprising pulse-operated valves or switches associated, in use, with the space heating/cooling devices and, preferably, in which the valves/switches are solenoid activated and, preferably, in which, in use, the pulse-operated valves/switches are subject to thermostatic control from a thermostat.

3. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 in which, in use, the preset timer controller information is effective to switch on or off one or more of the space heating/cooling devices.

4. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which, in use, the preset timer controller information can operate to set a heating/cooling level.

5. A heating system including control apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims and, preferably, having one or more space heating devices in the form of radiators in the rooms or zones and, preferably, which is a combination boiler system or, alternatively, a non-combination system, preferably, in which one of the zones is a hot water cylinder and, preferably, in which heating of the water can be controlled by an electric immersion heater activated by the timer controller and, preferably, in which timer controlled signals can be sent out to activate pulse, or the pulse, operated valves of the control apparatus associated with the radiators in order to open or close the valves or to partially open or partially close the valves.

6. A system as claimed in claim 5 in which separate thermostatic valves are provided for each radiator.

7. A system as claimed in any one of claims 5 or claim 6 in which pump monitoring means is provided to trigger an alarm if the differential between fluid input temperature to a circulation pump, for pumping heating fluid (water) around the radiators, and fluid output temperature from the pump is above a threshold value.

8. A method of controlling the temperature of a room or zone according to preset time controlled information, said method including controlling the temperature of the rooms or zones individually or independently according to associated time cycle control information preset independently for each room/zone and, preferably, in which completely independent timed control of each space heating/cooling device can be achieved according to a time cycle programmed specifically for an associated room or zone.

9. Control apparatus for controlling a space heating and/or cooling system and thereby controlling the temperature of a number of rooms or zones, said apparatus having timer controller means that, in use, can be programmed to vary the temperature output of space heating/cooling devices in associated rooms or zones in accordance with preset timer control information, the arrangement being such that, in use, timer controlled signals can be sent out to activate pulse-operated valves or switches of the control apparatus, associated with the space heating/cooling devices and, preferably, in which the pulse- operated valves are solenoid valves.

10. A timer controller for control apparatus for a space heating/cooling system, said timer controller being of a format including individual control buttons or keys correlated, in use, with associated space heating/cooling devices arranged in rooms or zones, such that individual or independent timed controlled cycles can be programmed into the timer controller for each room or zone.

11. A timer controller as claimed in Claim 10 which includes a control panel having graphic or alphanumeric indicia on or adjacent the control buttons or keys correlated to the particular associated room or zone.

12. A timer controller as claimed in Claim 10 or Claim 11 in which the control buttons or keys can be illuminated or lit up at certain times and, preferably, in which the control buttons or keys can be illuminated or lit up to indicate the status of program setting for the particular room or zone and, preferably, in which the timer controller is provided with a front display panel or cover and, preferably, in which the front display panel or cover is hinged or otherwise connected to the control panel and, preferably, in which the front display panel is releasably lockable to the control panel and preferably, in which the timer controller is arranged to control the space heating/cooling devices by electrical connections and/or by remote control and, preferably, in which the timer controller can be set up to be responsive to signal information sent, for example, via a telephone line and/or from a computer or mobile phone via the internet.

13. Control apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, or claim 9 in which the timer controller means is the timer controller as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 12.

14. A heating and/or cooling system including control apparatus as claimed in claim 13.

15. Control apparatus for controlling a heating and/or cooling system comprising one or more of the following features:- a) facility for receiving independently programmed time cycle control information for individual associated heating and/or cooling devices for controlling the temperature of associated rooms or zones, b) a timer controller having a number of control buttons or keys each correlated to a particular zone, preferably by graphic indicia c) a timer as in b) in which the buttons or keys can be lit up, d) pump monitoring means including temperature sensors, in use, sensing the temperature of fluid to and from a pump and means to monitor the temperature difference between the sensors in order to trigger an alarm at a threshold temperature value, e) line checking means, f) frost protection, g) a summer mode setting, h) a time date clock, i) a heating off switch, j) a 1 hour advance facility, k) a room thermostat, 1) a holiday mode, m) a frost mode.

16. A method of controlling a heating and/or cooling system comprising telephoning an operator to control a remote timer controller and said operator accepting payment for sending an input control signal from a remote location to operate the timer controller.