Development and Test of a Novel Electronic Radiator Thermostat with a Return Temperature Limiting Function

Michele Tunzi, Dorte Skaarup Østergaard and Svend Svendsen
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Michele Tunzi: Department of Civil Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Brovej, Building 118, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
Dorte Skaarup Østergaard: PlanEnergi, A.C. Meyers Vænge 15, SV-2450 Copenhagen, Denmark
Svend Svendsen: Department of Civil Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Brovej, Building 118, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark

Energies, 2022, vol. 15, issue 1, 1-20

Abstract: Automated hydronic balancing in space heating systems is crucial for the fourth-generation district heating transition. The current manual balancing requires labor- and time-consuming activities. This article presents the field results of an innovative electronic radiator thermostat tested on two Danish multi-family buildings. The prototypes had an additional return temperature sensor on each radiator and an algorithm was used to accurately control valve opening to ensure automated hydronic balancing. The results highlighted that the new thermostat performed as expected and helped secure the cooling of district heating temperatures —defined as the difference between supply and return temperature—4–12 °C higher during the test compared to results obtained in 2020, when the prototypes were replaced with state-of-the-art thermostats in the first building. The measurements from the other building illustrated how only two uncontrolled radiators out of 175 could contaminate the overall return temperature. The remote connection of the thermostats helped pinpoint the faults in the heating system, although the end-users were not experiencing any discomfort, and secure, after fixing the problems, a return temperature of 35 °C. Future designs may consider integrating a safety functionality to close the valve or limit the flow in case of damage or malfunction to avoid a few radiators compromising the low-temperature operation of an entire building before the cause of the problem has been identified.

Keywords: automatic hydronic balancing; digitalization of demand side; electronic radiator thermostat; return temperature limitation; low-temperature operations; fourth-generation district heating; end-user behaviour (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: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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