Heating control unit: functions, device, advantages

Modern heating control system allows you to implement the most complex and advanced schemes and programs for adjusting equipment operation modes, to achieve significant energy savings, to provide remote control of heating. We want to consider the heating control unit from the point of view of its structural and operational features and advantages.

Automatic control unit

Purpose

The automatic control unit is an individual heat point, designed to control the parameters of the coolant circulating in the heating system, depending on the temperature indicators in the room, on the street, in the supply and return pipes of the circuit.

In addition, the system allows you to implement protection from emergency situations, switching modes of equipment operation, GSM heating control. In the event of a breakdown or an abnormal situation, the module is able to notify all subscribers on the mailing list via SMS messages.

However, this is not a complete list of functions.

The control node can provide:

• Modes and operating parameters of the circulating pump of the heating system, a given rate of circulation of the coolant;
• Monitoring the maintenance and execution of a given temperature schedule of supply and return pipelines. This helps protect the system from overheating and overcooling;
• Maintaining a given constant pressure differential at the supply and return to the building, what allows to work normally to all automatic equipment in the regular mode;
• Fine and coarse heat carrier cleaning;
• Visual control of all system performance indicators: temperatures in key areas, pressure differences at the inlet and outlet of the node, a given mode of operation, alarms;
• Remote control of heating by phone and via the Internet;
• Remote control of the room, alarm, entrance doors and gates with the help of additional sensors.

Note! To install such a system, the boiler and other equipment must be adapted to electronic control. Old frames with mechanical valves with this scheme will not work.

Device and principle of operation

The structure of any automatic control system includes such nodes:

1. Sensors and sensors that collect the necessary data in various parts of the system;
2. The controllers and processors that compare the data received from the sensors with the values ​​dictated by the instruction (program) recorded on the memory card make a decision and, on the basis of it, give commands to the executing mechanisms;
3. The executing mechanisms that receive commands from the controllers and perform simple actions - shut off valves and valves, increase the power of the units, switch the operating modes of the heating equipment, perform emergency shutdowns of the broken nodes.

The sensors are pressure and temperature sensors, as well as any additional sensors that allow you to monitor different processes. The most important temperature sensors supply and return flow of coolant, temperature sensors in the room and on the street, as well as pressure sensors at the input to the system.

The role of the controller is played by a low-power computer that reads information from all sensors. A program that detects temperature conditions is recorded on a computer’s memory card.

The controller compares the obtained values ​​with the set ones, and, if necessary, makes a decision on making changes: increasing the coolant supply to a particular circuit, turning off the boiler or transferring it to another mode of operation, etc.

When making a decision, the controller sends a control signal to one or another actuator: switching relay, valve or valve servo, switch or electronics of the boiler. Depending on the set program, the GSM module for heating control can send messages to the owner about a particular event, and waiting for an answer can take certain measures.

Heating in a country house is controlled via GSM using a special module built into the computer.

This module includes the following elements:

• Slot for switching the SIM-card;
• Power supply and battery;
• GSM modem;
• Connector for the antenna;
• LAN port for connecting to an ISP;
• Microprocessor;
• Memory card;
• USB connector for configuration and configuration;
• LED indicators or liquid crystal display;
• Contact group with inputs and outputs for data collection and sending control signals.

Note! Together with the module for GSM control, software must be supplied for installation on the operating system of a mobile phone. The program will help to organize the remote communication controller and operator.

Benefits

What are the advantages of using the automatic heating control unit?

A modern controller with a communication module allows you to get the following advantages and benefits:

• Fine adjustment of the system in real time allows for maximum savings with an appropriate level of comfort;
• You can achieve exactly the temperature and climatic parameters of the room, what you want, and for this it is enough to simply set the desired temperature values;
• Instant notification of emergency modes and abnormal events significantly increases the reliability and safety of work;
• You have the opportunity to leave the house with working heating and at a distance to control its state, as well as control the operating modes, turn the equipment on or off remotely;
• A winter visit to a country house with the heating turned off requires you to enter a cold room, melt the unit and wait several hours until the room warms up. Now you can give a command to turn on in advance and not waste time.

You can assemble and connect the control system yourself - for this, no permissions and approvals are required. The job is easy to do by following the manufacturer’s instructions. The price of the kit can vary from 4 to 40 thousand rubles, depending on the configuration and the manufacturer.

Note! Most of the modules have connectors for connecting additional sensors, with the help of which it is possible to organize control over the opening of windows and doors, listening or watching and other useful functions.

Conclusion

Control and management of modern heating systems can be carried out by software with remote participation of the operator. Communication can be accomplished via GSM digital cellular communication or the Internet. Additional information you can find in our video.