Improved Control of Radiator Heating Systems with Thermostatic Radiator Valves without Pre-Setting Function

Theofanis Benakopoulos, Robbe Salenbien, Dirk Vanhoudt and Svend Svendsen
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Theofanis Benakopoulos: Vlaamse Instelling voor Technologisch Onderzoek VITO NV, Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium
Robbe Salenbien: Vlaamse Instelling voor Technologisch Onderzoek VITO NV, Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium
Dirk Vanhoudt: Vlaamse Instelling voor Technologisch Onderzoek VITO NV, Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium
Svend Svendsen: Department of Civil Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Brovej, Building 118, DK-2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark

Energies, 2019, vol. 12, issue 17, 1-24

Abstract: Low-temperature district heating will play an important role in a future free of fossil fuels. This will only be able to be realized through the low-temperature operation of heating systems in existing buildings. Existing radiator systems can operate with low temperatures for most of the year because they are designed for extremely cold days, but errors have to be corrected and the control of the radiator systems needs to be improved. In this paper, we present a strategy to achieve low-temperature operation from the radiator system of a multi-family building in Denmark without a pre-setting function in the thermostatic radiator valves. The strategy is based on operating the system with a combination of a minimum supply temperature and small temperature differences over the radiators. The operation of the system is analyzed through a thermal-hydraulic model. A minimum supply temperature weather compensation curve was calculated and implemented in the central supply temperature control. Return temperature measurements in the substation, the risers, and several critical radiators were performed before and after the implementation of the strategy. The measurements confirm that a lower supply temperature results in a reduction of the return temperature. However, the system operator needs to be supported by a tool package to correctly maintain the system’s operation.

Keywords: low-temperature district heating; radiator heating system; thermostatic radiator valves; low-temperature operation; low supply temperature; multi-family building; thermal-hydraulic model; return temperature measurements (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (11)

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