TEHSC Computer Controlled Unit to Study the Efficiency of a Heating System

The Computer Controlled Unit to Study the Efficiency of a Heating System, "TEHSC", has been designed by EDIBON for the experimental study of closed-loop hot-water heating systems. The unit enables the analysis of the hydraulic and thermal behavior of a real heating network, facilitating the understanding of the parameters that determine energy efficiency and the operation of the different components that make up the system.

The unit consists of a closed hydraulic circuit formed by pipes of different diameters, valves, and accessories commonly used in real heating installations. It also incorporates a safety group compliant with DIN 4751 standards, allowing the study of the operating and protection conditions of this type of system.

Water circulation is provided by two heating pumps, one of them with variable speed control, both controlled from a computer. This configuration enables the comparison of different pumping strategies and the analysis of the influence of pump speed on the energy performance of the installation. Differential pressure sensors are included to determine the pressure losses generated by the pumps and by the different hydraulic components of the circuit.

Heat generation is achieved through an electric heater controlled from a computer. The system can operate either with two-position control and adjustable hysteresis or with PID control and adjustable parameters, enabling the comparative study of different thermal control strategies.

The heated water is distributed through several heating lines equipped with thermostatic valves and control valves commonly used in real heating installations. These arrangements allow the analysis of hydraulic behavior and the determination of pressure losses associated with each component through differential pressure measurements.

The unit also includes two fan-assisted convectors controlled from a computer, one of them with variable fan speed, enabling the study of heat transfer to the environment and the comparison of different operating conditions. Differential pressure sensors are also included for the analysis of pressure losses across these terminal units.

For energy performance evaluation, the unit incorporates a flow sensor, power sensors associated with the circulation pumps, and six temperature sensors distributed at key points throughout the system. These measurements allow energy balances, efficiency calculations, and the analysis of the overall performance of the heating installation.

This Computer Controlled Unit is supplied with the EDIBON Computer Control System (SCADA), and includes: The unit itself + a Control Interface Box + a Data Acquisition Board + Computer Control, Data Acquisition and Data Management Software Packages, for controlling the process and all parameters involved in the process.