METHOD FOR ADJUSTING A HEATING SYSTEM, EXHAUST MEASURING DEVICE, AND ADJUSTMENT ARRANGEMENT

- Testo AG

For the automated adjustment of a heating system (2), there is produced between an exhaust-gas measuring device (1) and a control unit (26) a data connection (6) via which data, measurement values or control or setting signals for the adjustment of the heating system (2) are transmitted at least from the exhaust-gas measuring device (1) to the control unit (26). During the adjustment of the heating system (2), at least one exhaust-gas parameter is measured in automated fashion by way of at least one exhaust-gas sensor (4) of the exhaust-gas measuring device (1), and determined measurement values are automatically detected by the exhaust-gas measuring device (1). Then, a deviation of the determined measurement value from an exhaust-gas-parameter-specific and/or installation-specific setpoint value is determined, and in a manner dependent on the determined deviation, an automated adjustment of the heating system (2) is performed, said adjustment being initiated by the control unit (26) (cf. FIG. 1).

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Description
BACKGROUND

The invention relates to a method for adjusting a heating system, at least one exhaust-gas parameter of an exhaust-gas flow of the heating system being measured with the aid of at least one exhaust-gas sensor of an exhaust-gas measurement device, and the heating system being adjusted to an optimum operating point in a manner dependent on at least one determined measurement value.

The invention also relates to an exhaust-gas measuring device having at least one exhaust-gas sensor for determining a measurement value of at least one exhaust-gas parameter, to a heating system having a burner, having a regulating device and having at least one actuator which is connected to the regulating device and by way of which at least one exhaust-gas parameter can be influenced, and to an adjustment arrangement having an exhaust-gas measuring device and having a heating system.

A method of said type, exhaust-gas measuring devices of said type, heating systems of said type and adjustment arrangements of said type are known from the prior art.

In the case of a method known from practice for the adjustment of a heating system, it is for example known for certain exhaust-gas parameters of the exhaust-gas flow of the heating system to be monitored by a service technician, equipped with an exhaust-gas measuring device, during the manual setting of the heating system required for the adjustment. The manual setting of the heating system is performed until the monitored exhaust-gas parameters have reached defined setpoint values and the heating system has been adjusted to its optimum operating point.

Since it is necessary for the exhaust-gas measurement to be monitored by the service technician continuously during the adjustment of the heating system, but the service technician simultaneously also has to perform the setting of the heating system, said previously known method is firstly time-consuming and is secondly also susceptible to errors.

SUMMARY

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a method of the type mentioned in the introduction, an exhaust-gas measuring device, a heating system and an adjustment arrangement, in the case of which the adjustment of a heating system with burners, such as is necessary for example in the event of repair or maintenance work, can be performed more efficiently.

This object is achieved in the case of the method defined in the introduction by way of the features of the invention. Here, the determined measurement values may be displayed on the heating system. It may be provided that this display must be manually confirmed in order to start an adjustment. The adjustment may be performed manually or automatically, for example through the calculation of differences in relation to setpoint values. It may however also be provided that the determined measurement values are merely stored in the heating system and kept available for subsequent use. The transmission of the determined measurement values via the data connection may be performed automatically or in response to manual initiation. The data connection may be established before, during and/or after the measurement of the measurement values.

The invention thus permits a direct and, in effect, simultaneous setting of the heating system to the ideal state. Nowadays, the technician must perform a measurement/setting sequentially, that is to say one after the other, because he or she does not have both hands free simultaneously. Thus, he or she for example sets the gas throughput, must then look to see how they exhaust-gas values behave as a result, then if necessary readjust the combustion air supply, etc. Through the automation with simultaneous measurement, it is made possible for the first time for the complete setting process to be performed in one step, preferably in self-regulating fashion.

Due to the increasing complexity of heating systems and the emergence of new technologies such as for example micro-CHP (combined heat and power), Stirling engines etc., the correct setting of the heating appliances is becoming more cumbersome and requires an ever greater level of special knowledge and experience. Since the service technicians and heating system contractors must perform setting and service work on a wide variety of different installations, it is becoming increasingly more difficult to have the required knowledge for the correct setting of the installations present and to have the necessary experience available for all different installations. This problem is solved by way of the described invention. It can thus be achieved that the installations can be set in an ideal manner without the need to have detailed knowledge and experience of the individual system.

In particular, for fully automated adjustment, the method for adjusting a heating system may be characterized in that the following method steps are performed until the optimum operating point of the heating system is attained:

firstly, a preferably automated measurement of the at least one exhaust-gas parameter is performed by way of the at least one exhaust-gas sensor of the exhaust-gas measuring device. Then, determined data and/or measurement values are transmitted from the exhaust-gas sensor to a control unit. Subsequently, at least one setting and/or control signal is generated on the basis of the transmitted data and/or measurement values with the aid of the control unit in order, subsequently, to actuate and/or set at least one actuator, which influences the at least one exhaust-gas parameter, of the heating system in accordance with the at least one setting and/or control signal. Here, it may be provided that the at least one exhaust-gas parameter is measured in automated fashion by way of the at least one exhaust-gas sensor of the exhaust-gas measuring device during the adjustment of the heating system, and determined measurement values are detected in automated fashion by the exhaust-gas measurement unit.

It is also provided that measurement values and/or data determined by the exhaust-gas measuring device are, in particular during the adjustment of the heating system and/or preferably in automated fashion, compared with at least one exhaust-gas-parameter-specific and/or installation-specific setpoint value, in particular by way of a comparator, and a deviation of the at least one exhaust-gas parameter from the setpoint value is determined. Here, the control unit may generate the at least one setting or control signal in a manner dependent on the determined deviation The at least one actuator of the heating system may be actuated, for the purposes of adjusting heating system, in accordance with the at least one setting and/or control signal until the determined deviation reaches or exceeds or falls below a defined threshold value. As soon as the defined threshold value of the deviation is reached, exceeded or undershot, the adjustment of the heating system is complete, at least with regard to said one exhaust-gas parameter.

Thus, with the method according to the invention, the steps that previously had to be performed manually by a service technician are now performed in partially or fully automated fashion, and thus efficiently and with less susceptibility to errors, with the aid of an exhaust-gas measuring device and a control unit.

In an advantageous refinement, the exhaust-gas measuring device may measure more parameters than merely exhaust-gas parameters that are realized by way of a measurement in the exhaust-gas duct. For example, it may be provided that the exhaust-gas measuring device measures individual or several parameters from the group comprising gas flow pressure, nozzle pressure, other pressures, temperatures, in particular feed and/or return temperatures, for example of a heated water circuit, and is correspondingly set up for this purpose. The required sensors may be integrated into, or formed separately from, the exhaust-gas measuring device. Here, it may be provided that the sensors are arranged in measurement units or measuring devices which transmit the recorded measurement values in wireless and/or wired fashion to the exhaust-gas measuring device and/or to the heating system.

In one embodiment of the method, it may also be provided that measurement values and/or data detected by the exhaust-gas sensor and/or the exhaust-gas measuring device are transmitted, preferably in automated fashion, via a data connection to the control unit.

It may also be expedient if, between the control unit and the heating system, in particular between the control unit and the at least one actuator and/or a regulating device of the heating system, there is produced or exists a control connection via which the at least one setting and/or control signal is transmitted for the purposes of actuating the at least one actuator. This can further simplify automated adjustment of the heating system.

In one conceivable embodiment of the method according to the invention, it may be provided that at least the one exhaust-gas-parameter-specific and/or installation-specific setpoint value is input manually into the control unit and/or into the exhaust-gas measuring device and/or into a or the comparator and/or into the heating system, in particular into a or the regulating device of the heating system, and stored therein.

It may however also be provided that at least the one exhaust-gas-parameter-specific and/or installation-specific setpoint value is, preferably in automated fashion, read out from a preferably Internet-based and/or PC-based database by the control unit and/or by the exhaust-gas measuring device and/or by a, for example the aforementioned comparator and/or by the heating system, in particular by a or the regulating device of the heating system, and stored in the control unit and/or in the exhaust-gas measuring device and/or in the heating system.

It may then be provided that, in the control unit, which may be formed as a separate unit, in the exhaust-gas measuring device or for example also in the heating system, there is generated, in a manner dependent on the deviation, a setting or control signal which is transmitted via a control connection, for example the control connection already mentioned above, to the heating system and/or is implemented in the heating system, in particular to a regulating device, for example the regulating device already mentioned above, and/or to the at least one actuator of the heating system, in order to at least indirectly actuate the at least one actuator of the heating system. This actuation or adjustment may be performed until the deviation, determined in automated fashion, reaches or exceeds or undershoots a defined threshold value.

Thus, in this embodiment of the method, the setting or control signal required for the actuation, in particular adjustment, of the at least one actuator is generated by the control unit and is transmitted via the control connection, which is formed between the control unit and the heating system or the regulating device of the heating system or the at least one actuator of the heating system, to the heating system or to the regulating device or to the at least one actuator.

Here, it may be expedient if a transmission of data between the exhaust-gas measuring device and/or the at least one exhaust-gas sensor and the control unit and/or between the control unit and the heating system, in particular a, for example the regulating device already mentioned above of the heating system, is performed in wired and/or wireless and/or bidirectional fashion. A bidirectional transmission of data in particular between the exhaust-gas measuring device and/or the at least one exhaust-gas sensor and the control unit may be advantageous for an exchange of data between the exhaust-gas measuring device and/or the at least one exhaust-gas sensor and the control unit.

For a reliable adjustment of the heating system, it may furthermore be expedient if a loss of exhaust gas and/or a concentration of exhaust-gas constituents and/or an exhaust-gas temperature, an inlet air temperature, a combustion air temperature, a dewpoint temperature and/or a combustion air ratio, can be measured and/or determined by way of the at least one exhaust-gas sensor of the exhaust-gas measuring device. Common exhaust-gas constituents that can be measured by an exhaust-gas sensor are for example an O2 concentration, a CO concentration, a CO2 concentration, a nitrogen oxide concentration, a soot level and/or oil derivatives in the exhaust-gas flow. It may additionally or alternatively be provided that tension measurements, in the case of which a negative and/or positive pressure prevails in the exhaust-gas duct, can be recorded by way of the exhaust-gas measuring device.

It may furthermore be advantageous if, in particular after the heating system has been adjusted to its optimum operating point, the control unit is set up for monitoring the regulating behavior of the heating system. For the purposes of monitoring the regulating behavior of the heating system, the control unit may for example transmit a control or setting signal to the heating system, in particular to the regulating device and/or to at least one actuator of the heating system. This control or setting signal may effect an at least indirect actuation, in particular an adjustment, of at least one actuator of the heating system. After an actuation of at least one actuator, at least one measurement value of at least one exhaust-gas parameter determined by an exhaust-gas sensor of the heating system may be compared with a measurement value of the same exhaust-gas parameter determined by way of the exhaust-gas sensor of the exhaust-gas measuring device. Then, a synchronization and/or a tracking adjustment and/or a readjustment of the regulating device and/or of the at least one exhaust-gas sensor of the heating system can be performed in a manner dependent on a deviation of the at least one measurement value determined with the aid of the heating system from the measurement value determined with the aid of the exhaust-gas measuring device.

For a synchronization and/or a tracking adjustment and/or a readjustment of the regulating device and/or of the at least one exhaust-gas sensor of the heating system, it may furthermore be advantageous if, in particular by way of the control unit, an offset value is stored in the heating system, which offset value represents a previously determined measurement deviation of the exhaust-gas sensor of the heating system. Said offset value may preferably be stored in the regulating device of the heating system. In this context, an offset value is both a positive deviation and a negative deviation of the measurement value, determined by way of the at least one exhaust-gas sensor of the heating system, in relation to the exhaust-gas sensor of the exhaust-gas measuring device, which is highly accurate in comparison to the exhaust-gas sensors that are generally installed in heating systems. Such an offset value may also be determined with respect to pressure sensors in the heating system in comparison to the more accurate pressure sensors of the exhaust-gas measuring device.

The mode of operation of said above-described test cycle, which is intended to serve for a readjustment and/or a synchronization of the regulating device or of the at least one exhaust-gas sensor of the heating system, will be described on the basis of an example:

After successful adjustment of the heating system, it is for example the case that a setting or control signal, which may also be referred to as monitoring setting signal, is transmitted by the control unit to the regulating device of the heating system. This may be performed via the previously established control connection between the exhaust-gas measuring device and the heating system. The setting or control signal at least indirectly effects an adjustment of at least one actuator of the heating system. Said actuator can influence the combustion or reaction in the heating system and thus at least one exhaust-gas parameter which can be measured by way of a suitable exhaust-gas sensor of the heating system. After adjustment of the actuator, an actual value of said exhaust-gas parameter is then determined with the aid of the exhaust-gas sensor of the heating system. At the same time, said exhaust-gas parameter is also measured by way of the exhaust-gas sensor of the exhaust-gas measuring device. Said exhaust-gas sensor is preferably set up for determining absolute measurement values, and has a highly accurate sensor means, of a kind that is not generally encountered in the case of sensors installed in heating systems. The actual values or measurement values determined by the two different exhaust-gas sensors are compared, and a deviation of the measurement value determined by the exhaust-gas sensor of the heating system from the more accurate measurement value, which has been determined with the aid of the exhaust-gas sensor of the exhaust-gas measuring device, is determined.

Alternatively or in addition, the described setting or control signal may also be generated in the heating system. The heating system, more precisely for example the regulating device thereof or a control unit which is arranged or formed in the heating system and which may preferably be a constituent part of the regulating device, can in this case generate the setting or control signal on the basis of the transmitted measurement values, in particular by way of the abovementioned deviation between the measurement or actual values, on the one hand, and the setpoint values, on the other hand. In this case, it is not necessary for the exhaust-gas measuring device to know installation-specific control commands.

For example, it may be the case that an exhaust-gas sensor of the heating system measures a CO concentration of 300 ppm in the case of a certain setting of the corresponding actuator of the heating system, whereas, in the case of the same setting of said actuator, the exhaust-gas sensor of the exhaust-gas measuring device determines said concentration as being 200 ppm. After determination of the deviation, it is then possible for an offset value which represents the deviation to be stored in the heating system and taken into consideration in the case of future measurements which may be necessary for the operation of a heating system of said type.

For the implementation of the method with different heating systems, it may furthermore be expedient if the exchange of data between the exhaust-gas measuring device, the control unit and/or the heating system takes place via a connection adapter. Said connection adapter, or else interface adapter, may have connection interfaces which are compatible with data interfaces of the exhaust-gas measuring device, of the control unit and/or of the heating system. Furthermore, the connection adapter may also be set up for the transmission of data in wireless and/or wired fashion. Alternatively, it is possible for a connection adapter to be dispensed with if the data connection is established in wireless fashion by way of a standardized wireless interface, for example Bluetooth, Zigbee, Wifi/LAN, infrared interface.

In this way, it is possible for the exhaust-gas measuring device to also be connected, by way of the adapter, to an interface of the control unit and/or of the heating system which is itself not directly compatible with the data interface of the exhaust-gas measuring device.

For even more simple and more efficient adjustment of a heating system, it may furthermore be expedient if, for the adjustment of the heating system, use is made of an adjustment program by way of which at least two actuators of the heating system can be actuated or set independently of one another in a manner dependent on measurement values and/or data determined by the exhaust-gas measuring device and/or the at least one exhaust-gas sensor.

In order to provide a manufacturer and/or supplier of a heating system to be adjusted with information regarding the success of the adjustment process, preferably in real time, it may be expedient if the exhaust-gas measuring device and/or the control unit remain connected, at least for the duration of the adjustment of the heating system, to a data network, in particular to the Internet, and if a result of the adjustment of the heating system is signaled via the data network, in particular via the Internet, to the manufacturer and/or supplier of the heating system.

It is pointed out that the control unit may be implemented in the exhaust-gas measuring device, in the heating system, in a computer, in particular in a laptop, virtually in the Internet, and/or on a server. It is also possible for the control unit to be implemented as a module in a regulating device of a heating system to be adjusted. Furthermore, the control unit may also be in the form of a separate device. Said device may then, as already discussed above, be connected by way of a data connection to an exhaust-gas measuring device and by way of a control connection to a heating system, in particular to a regulating device and/or to at least one actuator of the heating system.

In the case of the exhaust-gas measuring device defined in the introduction, the object is achieved by way of the features of the invention. In particular, to achieve the object in the case of the exhaust-gas measuring device, it is proposed that the exhaust-gas measuring device be set up for carrying out the method.

For this purpose, the exhaust-gas measuring device may have a data interface via which a data connection between the exhaust-gas measuring device and a control unit can be produced in order for measurement values and/or data determined by way of the at least one exhaust-gas sensor to be transmitted to the control unit. In this context, it may be expedient if the control unit is set up for generating setting or control signals for the adjustment of a heating system in a manner dependent on measurement values and/or data detected by the exhaust-gas measuring device.

It is however also possible for the exhaust-gas measuring device to have a control unit for generating setting or control signals for the adjustment of a heating system in a manner dependent on measurement values and/or data detected by the exhaust-gas measuring device, in particular by the at least one exhaust-gas sensor, and to have a data interface. A control connection between the control unit and a heating system, in particular a regulating device and/or at least one actuator of the heating system, can be established via said data interface. Said data interface is established in order for generated setting or control signals for the adjustment of the heating system to be transmitted from the control unit to the heating system, in particular to the regulating device and/or to an actuator of the heating system, and for the heating system to be adjusted into its ideal state.

Here, it may be advantageous if the exhaust-gas measuring device, in particular a control unit which is comprised by or at least intermittently connected to the exhaust-gas measuring device, has a data memory for the detection and storage of at least one measurement value determined by the exhaust-gas sensor. It may furthermore be expedient if the exhaust-gas measuring device and/or the control unit also have a comparator which is set up for the determination of a deviation between the at least one detected measurement value and an exhaust-gas-parameter-specific and/or installation-specific setpoint value.

If the exhaust-gas measuring device, in particular a comparator, in particular the comparator already mentioned above, of the exhaust-gas measuring device and/or a control unit, for example the control unit already mentioned above, is set up for generating a setting or control signal which is compatible with the heating system, in particular with a regulating device and/or with at least one actuator of the heating system, it is possible for a setting or control signal required for the automated adjustment of the heating system to be generated, and for the automated adjustment of the heating system to be performed with said setting or control signal. The comparator may also be formed in the heating system.

Here, it is preferably possible for the setting or control signal to be generated to be dependent on a determined deviation of the at least one measurement value in relation to a setpoint value.

It is expediently possible for the setting or control signal transmitted to the heating system to effect an at least indirect actuation or adjustment of at least one actuator, which influences at least one measured exhaust-gas parameter, of the heating system, in order to adjust the heating system to its optimum operating point in targeted fashion.

For this purpose, the data interface of the exhaust-gas measuring device may, in wired and/or wireless fashion, be at least indirectly connectable, and in a usage position connected, to a counterpart interface provided on the heating system and/or on a control unit, for example on the control unit already mentioned above.

In order to be able to connect the exhaust-gas measuring device to different heating systems and/or control units, it may be expedient if a connection adapter or interface adapter with connection interfaces is provided for the indirect connection of the exhaust-gas measuring device to the heating system and/or to a control unit, of which connection interfaces at least one is compatible with the data interface of the exhaust-gas measuring device and at least one second is compatible with the counterpart interface of the heating system and/or of the control unit. By way of said connection adapter, the data interfaces of the exhaust-gas measuring device and a counterpart interface of the respective heating system and/or control unit are then connectable, and in a usage position connected, in wired and/or wireless fashion.

It is advantageously possible for the data interface of the exhaust-gas measuring device and/or the connection interfaces of the connection adapter to be set up for bidirectional data transmission.

In one embodiment of the exhaust-gas measuring device, it may furthermore be provided that the exhaust-gas measuring device has at least one second data interface via which at least one exhaust-gas-parameter-specific and/or installation-specific setpoint value can be read from an in particular Internet-based or PC-based database into the exhaust-gas measuring device and stored therein. Here, said at least one setpoint value may for example be read into a data memory, in particular the data memory already mentioned above, of a or the measurement value detection unit, and/or into a or the comparator of the exhaust-gas measuring device, and/or into a control unit, for example the control unit already mentioned above, and stored therein.

It is pointed out at this juncture that the individual components of the exhaust-gas measuring device, that is to say for example a or the measurement value detection device, a or the comparator and/or the at least one data interface of the exhaust-gas measuring device, and/or a control unit, for example the control unit already mentioned above, may be connected to one another for the exchange of data.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the exhaust-gas measuring device according to the invention, it may also be provided that the at least one exhaust-gas sensor is set up for determining absolute measurement values. Here, the exhaust-gas sensor may be set up in particular for determining a loss of exhaust gas and/or a concentration of exhaust-gas constituents and/or for determining an exhaust-gas temperature, an inlet air temperature, a combustion air temperature, a dewpoint temperature and/or a combustion air ratio. The exhaust-gas measuring device may additionally be set up for measuring individual or multiple parameters from the group comprising gas flow pressure, nozzle pressure, other pressures, temperatures, in particular feed and/or return temperatures, for example of a heated water circuit. The required sensors may be integrated into the exhaust-gas measuring device, or may be formed separately therefrom. It is also possible for existing sensors to be incorporated by way of data connections.

Normally, such an exhaust-gas sensor is used to determine and monitor an O2 concentration, a CO concentration, a CO2 concentration, a nitrogen oxide concentration, a soot level and/or a concentration of oil derivatives.

In the case of the heating system defined in the introduction, the object is achieved according to the features of the invention. In particular, in the case of a heating system of the type defined in the introduction, it is proposed, for the purposes of achieving the object, that the heating system is set up for adjustment in accordance with the method as described herein by way of setting and/or control signals of a control unit using an exhaust-gas measuring device as also described herein.

For this purpose, it may be expedient if the heating system has, at least for receiving measurement values and/or control signals, a counterpart interface which is compatible with a data interface of an exhaust-gas measuring device.

Here, it may be provided that the heating system, in particular the regulating device of the heating system, has a control unit, for example the control unit already mentioned above. It is thus possible for the control unit, which converts the measurement values and/or data detected by the exhaust-gas measuring device into setting or control signals, to be implemented in the heating system. It is also possible for the heating system, in particular the regulating device of the heating system, to have a comparator for the comparison of an exhaust-gas-parameter-specific measurement value with an exhaust-gas-parameter-specific and/or installation-specific setpoint value. A comparison of the two values can be performed in said comparator. It is thus possible for the comparator to then serve for a calibration of the exhaust-gas sensor of the heating system.

It is furthermore possible for the heating system to have an exhaust-gas sensor which is connected to the regulating device and/or at least indirectly to the counterpart interface and which is set up for measuring at least one exhaust-gas parameter. Here, at least one measurement value measured by the exhaust-gas sensor can be transmitted via the counterpart interface of the heating system to an exhaust-gas measuring device connected to the counterpart interface, in particular an exhaust-gas measuring device as described herein, and/or can be transmitted via the counterpart interface to a control unit, for example the control unit already mentioned above, which is connected or connectable to said counterpart interface.

To be able to carry out the method described herein, it may furthermore be expedient if an offset value which represents a measurement deviation of the at least one exhaust-gas sensor of the heating system, and which compensates said measurement deviation, can be stored in the heating system, in particular in the regulating device and/or in a control unit, for example the control unit already mentioned above, of the heating system.

In this case, too, as already stated above, the offset value may be a positive or a negative deviation of the measurement value, determined by way of the exhaust-gas sensor of the heating system, from the measurement value determined by way of the exhaust-gas sensor of the exhaust-gas measuring device.

It may be expedient if at least one exhaust-gas-parameter-specific and/or installation-specific setpoint value is stored in the heating system, in particular in the regulating device. In this way, the exhaust-gas-parameter-specific and/or installation-specific setpoint value can be provided for a comparison with the measurement value determined in particular by way of the exhaust-gas measuring device. Said setpoint value may also be stored in a control unit, for example the control unit already mentioned above.

Furthermore, it may be provided that the heating system, in particular the regulating device and/or a control unit, for example the control unit already mentioned above, of the heating system, has a data interface via which at least one exhaust-gas-parameter-specific and/or installation-specific setpoint value can be manually input.

It may however be particularly advantageous if said at least one exhaust-gas-parameter-specific and/or installation-specific setpoint value can be read, preferably in automated fashion, from a database, in particular an Internet-based and/or PC-based database, and/or from the exhaust-gas measuring device, in particular from an exhaust-gas measuring device as described herein, into the heating system, in particular into the regulating device and/or into a control unit, for example the control unit already mentioned above, of the heating system.

It may also be provided that a setpoint value, for example the setpoint value already mentioned above, which is stored in the heating system can be transmitted via a data connection, for example the data connection already mentioned above, and/or via a control connection, for example the control connection already mentioned above, to the exhaust-gas measuring device and/or to a control unit, for example the control unit already mentioned above.

In this way, the setpoint value stored in the heating system can, if it is sought to perform a comparison in the exhaust-gas measuring device and/or in the control unit, be transmitted via the data connection and/or via the control connection from the heating system to the exhaust-gas measuring device and/or the control unit, and compared there with a measurement value determined by the exhaust-gas sensor of the exhaust-gas measuring device.

In the case of the adjustment arrangement defined in the introduction, the object is achieved by way of the features the invention. In particular, to achieve the object in the case of the adjustment arrangement defined in the introduction, it is proposed that said adjustment arrangement comprises an exhaust-gas measuring device and a heating system as described herein, wherein the exhaust-gas sensor of the exhaust-gas measuring device is arranged in a measurement position and the exhaust-gas measuring device is connected, for the transmission and/or the exchange of data, measurement values and/or setting or control signals required for the adjustment, to a control unit which is set up for generating at least one setting or control signal on the basis of measurement values and/or data determined by the exhaust-gas measuring device.

Here, it may be expedient if the control unit is connected at least indirectly to at least one actuator of the heating system for the transmission and/or the exchange of data, measurement values and/or setting or control signals required for the adjustment.

It is also mentioned that the abovementioned control connection may, at least in sections, be formed within the heating system, in particular if the heating system has the control unit, that is to say the control unit is formed on or in the heating system.

If the control unit is formed in or on the exhaust-gas measuring device according to the invention, the data connection may, at least in sections, be formed within the exhaust-gas measuring device.

In any case, a data connection is to be understood to mean a connection via which measurement values and/or data detected by the exhaust-gas measuring device can be transmitted to the control unit.

A control connection is to be understood in any case to mean a connection via which setting or control signals are transmitted from the control unit to a heating system to be adjusted and/or to a regulating device and/or to at least one actuator of the heating system.

It is pointed out that, in the context of these statements, the expressions readjustment/tracking adjustment/adjustment/synchronization, which are used synonymously, are to be understood to mean an adaptation of the behavior of a sensor arrangement or of the regulating device of the heating system.

In the context of these statements, calibration refers to a measurement process for the reliably reproducible determination and documentation of the deviation of a measuring device, in this case of at least one exhaust-gas sensor of the heating system in relation to another appliance or another solid measure, in this case of the more precise exhaust-gas sensor of the exhaust-gas measuring device. Thus, calibration is to be understood to mean a comparison of two measurement variables. This comparison may, in the case of the present invention, be performed in the exhaust-gas measuring device and/or in the heating system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary embodiments of the invention will be described below on the basis of the figures. In the figures, in part in a highly schematized illustration:

FIG. 1 shows a highly schematized view of an adjustment arrangement according to the invention with a heating system and with an exhaust-gas measuring device according to the invention, wherein the exhaust-gas measuring device is connected via a wireless connection by way of a connection adapter according to the invention to the heating system and to a control unit provided in the heating system, and said exhaust-gas measuring device furthermore has an extraction probe by way of which exhaust-gas samples can be extracted from an exhaust-gas duct of the heating system and introduced via a hose into the exhaust-gas measuring device, which has at least one exhaust-gas sensor in its interior,

FIG. 2 shows the adjustment arrangement illustrated in FIG. 1, wherein here, the exhaust-gas measuring device according to the invention is connected by way of an interface connecting line to an interface adapter which is connected to the heating system,

FIG. 3 is a schematized illustration of a further adjustment arrangement according to the invention, wherein here, the exhaust-gas measuring device is connected to the heating system in wireless fashion by way of an adapter/interface adapter according to the invention which is connected to the heating system, and said exhaust-gas measuring device furthermore has a measurement sensor on whose end which is inserted into an exhaust-gas duct of the heating system at least one exhaust-gas sensor of the exhaust-gas measuring device is arranged, and

FIG. 4 shows the adjustment arrangement illustrated in FIG. 3, wherein here, the exhaust-gas measuring device is connected to the heating system via an interface connecting line to the interface adapter, which is connected to the heating system.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the following description of various embodiments of the invention, elements which correspond in terms of their function are denoted by corresponding reference numerals, even in the case of different design or shaping.

All of the figures show an adjustment arrangement, denoted by 100, having an exhaust-gas measuring device 1 and having a heating system 2.

The adjustment arrangement 100 serves for the automated adjustment of the heating system 2 with the aid of the exhaust-gas measuring device 1 for a commencement of operation, be it after an installation of the heating system 2 or after maintenance of the heating system 2, that is to say it serves for regulating the heating system 2 to its operating point optimum for correct operation.

Below, the exhaust-gas measuring device 1 according to the invention and the heating system 2 according to the invention will be described first. This will be followed by a description of the method according to the invention for the adjustment of the heating system 2, which, in the present exemplary embodiment of the heating system 2, has a burner 3.

The exhaust-gas measuring device 1 has at least one exhaust-gas sensor 4 for determining a measurement value of at least one exhaust-gas parameter. Here, the exhaust-gas measuring device 1 is set up for carrying out the method. To carry out the adjustment method according to the invention, the exhaust-gas measuring device 1 is equipped with a data interface 5 via which a data connection 6 between the exhaust-gas measuring device 1 and a control unit 26 and/or to the heating system 2 to be adjusted can be established. The exhaust-gas measuring device 1 is set up for detecting measurement values determined with the aid of its at least one exhaust-gas sensor 4 and transmitting the measurement values, and/or at least one setting or control signal formed in a manner dependent on a measurement value, via the data interface 5 of said exhaust-gas measuring device to the heating system 2 for the purposes of automated adjustment of the heating system 2.

In an embodiment of the exhaust-gas measuring device according to the invention, it is provided here that the exhaust-gas measuring device 1 has a data interface 5 via which a data connection 6 between the exhaust-gas measuring device 1 and a control unit 26 can be established in order for measurement values and/or data determined by way of the at least one exhaust-gas sensor 4 to be transmitted to the control unit 26. Here, the control unit 26 is set up for generating setting or control signals for the adjustment of a heating system 2 in a manner dependent on measurement values and/or data detected by the exhaust-gas measuring device 1.

According to the invention, it may however also be provided that the exhaust-gas measuring device 1 has a control unit 26 for generating setting or control signals for the adjustment of a heating system 1 in a manner dependent on measurement values and/or data detected by the exhaust-gas measuring device 1 and has a data interface 5, it being possible, via the data interface 5, for a control connection 27 to a heating system 2, in particular to a regulating device 10 and/or to at least one actuator 11 of the heating system 2, to be established in order for generated setting or control signals for the adjustment of the heating system 2 to be transmitted from the control unit 26 to the heating system 2, in particular to the regulating device 10 and/or an actuator 11 of the heating system 2.

It is also possible for the exhaust-gas measuring device 1 itself to have a control unit 26 which is set up for generating, from the detected measurement values and/or data, a setting or control signal which is then transmitted via a data connection 6, which is in the form of a control connection 27, from the control unit 26 to the heating system 2 in order to adjust the heating system 2 to its optimum operating point or operating state.

In the case of the embodiments of the invention illustrated in the figures, the control connection 27 runs between the control unit 26 and the regulating device 10 and the at least one actuator 10 within the heating system 2.

The exhaust-gas measuring device 1, in particular the control unit 26, has a data memory 8 for the detection and storage of at least one measurement value determined by the exhaust-gas sensor 4.

Furthermore, the exhaust-gas measuring device 1, in particular the control unit 26, has a comparator 9 which is set up for determining a deviation between at least one detected measurement value and an exhaust-gas-parameter-specific and/or installation-specific setpoint value. Here, the data memory is provided in a measurement value detection device 7.

As already mentioned above, the exhaust-gas measuring device 1 is set up, by way of the control unit 26 and/or by way of the comparator 9, for generating a setting or control signal which is compatible with the regulating device 10 and/or with at least one actuator 11 of the heating system 2. Here, the setting or control signal that is generated may be dependent on a determined deviation of the at least one measurement value relative to a setpoint value.

The control signal which is transmitted to the heating system 2 then effects an at least indirect actuation or adjustment of at least one actuator 11, which influences at least one measured exhaust-gas parameter, of the heating system 2.

Alternatively, it is also the case that the heating system 2 is set up, by way of its regulating device 10, for generating the setting or control signal in the described manner on the basis of the deviations, determined in the exhaust-gas measuring device 1 and/or in the heating system 2, between the measurement values—or the relatively imprecise actual values obtained by way of the heating system 2—on the one hand and the setpoint values on the other hand.

The data interface 5 of the exhaust-gas measuring device 1 is at least indirectly connectable, and in a usage position connected, as illustrated in the figures, to a counterpart interface 12 which is provided on the heating system 2 and/or on the control unit 26. In the exemplary embodiments of the adjustment arrangement 100, the exhaust-gas measuring device 1 is at least indirectly connected in wireless fashion by way of its data interface 5 to the counterpart interface 12 of the heating system 12. In this case, the data connection 6 and/or the control connection 27 are, at least in sections, of wireless form.

In the exemplary embodiments of the adjustment arrangement illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4, the data interface 5 of the exhaust-gas measuring device 1 and the counterpart interface 12 of the heating system 2 are connected to one another in wired fashion by way of an interface connecting line 13. It is thus the case here that at least a part of the data connection 6 and/or of the control connection 27 between the heating system 2 and the exhaust-gas measuring device 1 is formed by the interface connecting line 13.

The exemplary embodiments of the adjustment arrangement 100 illustrated in the figures provide that a connection adapter 14 with connection interfaces 15 for the indirect connection of the exhaust-gas measuring device 1 to a heating system 2 and/or to the control unit 26 is provided, of which connection interfaces 15 at least one is compatible with the data interface 5 of the exhaust-gas measuring device 1 and at least one second is compatible with the counterpart interface 12 of the heating system 2 and/or of the control unit 26. The data interface 5 of the exhaust-gas measuring device 1 and the respective counterpart interface 12 are connectable, and in a usage position connected, in wired and/or wireless fashion by way of said connection adapter 14.

To overcome the differences between the data interface 5 and the counterpart interface 12, the connection adapter or interface adapter 14 is equipped with connection interfaces 15, of which at least one is compatible with the data interface 5 of the exhaust-gas measuring device 1 and at least one second is compatible with the counterpart interface 13 of the heating system 2 or of the control unit 26.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3, one of the connection interfaces 15 of the interface adapter 14 is designed for wireless exchange of data. In this way, it is possible for a heating system 2, which itself is possibly not set up for wireless transmission of data, to be at least temporarily upgraded, and set up for wireless communication between an exhaust-gas measuring device 1 and the heating system 2, through the connection and use of the connection adapter or interface adapter 14.

In the exemplary embodiment of the adjustment arrangement 100 illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4, the interface connecting line 13 runs between the data interface 5 of the exhaust-gas measuring device and one of the two connection interfaces 15 of the connection adapter 14. The interface adapter 14 is in turn connected in wired fashion by way of an adapter line 16 to the counterpart interface 12 of the heating system 2 and/or of the control unit 26.

The data interface 5 of the exhaust-gas measuring device 1 and the connection interfaces 15 of the interface adapter 14 are, like the counterpart interface 12 of the heating system 2 and/or of the control unit 26, set up for bidirectional data transmission, that is to say for an exchange of data.

It is thus possible for data, be it measurement values or setting and/or control signals, or other data, to be exchanged between the exhaust-gas measuring device 1 and the heating system 2 and/or the control unit 26.

The exhaust-gas measuring device 1 has a second data interface 17 via which at least one exhaust-gas-parameter-specific and/or heating-installation-specific setpoint value can be read from an in particular Internet-based or PC-based database into the exhaust-gas measuring device 1 and/or into the control unit 26 in order to be used, in the exhaust-gas measuring device 1 and/or in the control unit 26, for an adjustment of a heating system 2.

This at least one setpoint value may preferably be stored in the data memory 8 of the measurement value detection unit 7 and/or in the comparator 9 of the exhaust-gas measuring device 1.

The at least one exhaust-gas sensor 4, the measurement value detection device 7, the comparator 9 and the two data interfaces 5 and 17 of the exhaust-gas measuring device 1 are, in a usage position, connected to one another for an exchange of data.

The exhaust-gas sensor 4 is set up for determining absolute measurement values. The exhaust-gas parameters that can be measured by way of the exhaust-gas sensor 4 may, depending on the application, be a loss of exhaust gas, a concentration of exhaust-gas constituents, for example an O2 concentration, a CO concentration, a CO2 concentration, a nitrogen oxide concentration or a soot level and/or a concentration of oil derivatives. It is however also possible for an exhaust-gas sensor 4 to be used to determine an exhaust-gas temperature, an inlet air temperature, a combustion air temperature, a dewpoint temperature and/or a combustion air ratio. Further sensors may be used to measure individual or multiple parameters from the group comprising gas flow pressure, nozzle pressure, other pressures, temperatures, in particular feed and/or return temperatures, for example of a heated water circuit.

The heating system 2 has a combustion chamber 3a in which there may be provided, for example, a burner 3. It is however also possible for said combustion chamber 3a to be formed in a piston of an engine of a block power station or in a fuel cell. All conceivable embodiments of combustion chambers 3a however have in common the fact that exhaust gases can be discharged from the respective combustion chamber 3a via an exhaust-gas duct 18. The heating system 2 is equipped with the regulating device 10 and with at least one actuator 11 which is connected to the regulating device 10. At least one exhaust-gas parameter of the exhaust-gas flow from the burner 3 of the heating system 2, said exhaust-gas flow being discharged through the exhaust-gas duct 18, can be influenced by way of said at least one actuator 11. The actuator 11 may for example be a throttle flap which regulates the fuel or air supply to the burner 3.

According to the invention, the heating system 2 is set up for adjustment in accordance with the method by way of setting and/or control signals of a control unit 26 using an exhaust-gas measuring device 1 according to the invention.

The heating system 2 has, at least for receiving measurement values of the exhaust-gas measuring device 1 and/or setting or control signals of the control unit 26, the counterpart interface 12 which is connectable to the data interface 5 of the exhaust-gas measuring device 1. In this way, the heating system 2 is set up for automated adjustment with the aid of the exhaust-gas measuring device 1.

In one embodiment of the invention, the heating system 2, in particular the regulating device 10 of the heating system 2, is set up for comparing an exhaust-gas-parameter-specific measurement value with an exhaust-gas-parameter-specific and/or installation-specific setpoint value, and for this purpose, has a comparator or a comparison unit 19.

Furthermore, in the embodiment of the heating system 2 that is illustrated in the figures, it is provided that said heating system has the control unit 26 for generating setting and/or control signals on the basis of data and/or measurement values determined by the exhaust-gas measurement unit 1.

The heating system 2 is furthermore equipped with an exhaust-gas sensor 20 which is connected to the regulating device 10 and at least indirectly to the counterpart interface 12. A measurement value measured or determined by said exhaust-gas sensor 20 can be transmitted via the counterpart interface 12 of the heating system 2 to an exhaust-gas measuring device 1 which is connected to the counterpart interface 12. In this way, a calibration of the exhaust-gas sensor 20 of the heating system 2 can be performed with the aid of the exhaust-gas measuring device 1. The further sensors for measuring the further parameters mentioned above can also be calibrated in a corresponding manner.

It is however also possible for said calibration to be performed with the aid of a control unit 26, and for a measurement value measured by the exhaust-gas sensor 20 to be transmitted to a control unit 26 which is connected or connectable to the counterpart interface 12.

Furthermore, an offset value which represents a measurement deviation of the at least one exhaust-gas sensor 20 of the heating system 2, and which compensates said deviation, can be stored in the heating system 2, in particular in the regulating device 10 and/or in the control unit 26 of the heating system 2. With the aid of said offset value, it is then possible for a tracking adjustment or readjustment of the sensor arrangement, that is to say of the at least one exhaust-gas sensor 20 of the heating system 2, to be performed if necessary.

At least one exhaust-gas-parameter-specific and/or installation-specific setpoint value may be stored in the regulating device 10 of the heating system 2. In the exemplary embodiment of the heating system 2 illustrated in the figures, the heating system 2, in particular the regulating device 10 of the heating system 2, has a data interface 21 by way of which at least one exhaust-gas-parameter-specific and/or installation-specific setpoint value can be manually input or, preferably, can be read into the heating system 2 in automated fashion from a database, for example an Internet-based and/or PC-based database, and/or from an exhaust-gas measuring device 1 connected to the heating system 2. The heating system 2 is furthermore set up for transmitting a setpoint value, which is stored in the heating system 2, to the exhaust-gas measuring device 1 as required via the data connection 6 established between the exhaust-gas measuring device 1 and the heating system 2. It is however also conceivable for a setpoint value stored in the heating system 2 to be transmitted via the above-described control connection 27 to the control unit 26.

The installed adjustment arrangement 100 is thus characterized by the fact that the data interface 5 of the exhaust-gas measurement unit 1 is, in the adjustment position, connected to the counterpart interface 12 of the heating system 2 for the transmission and/or exchange of data, measurement values and/or setting or control signals necessary for the adjustment.

Furthermore, the exhaust-gas sensor 4 of the exhaust-gas measuring device 1 is then placed into its measurement position, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4.

The adjustment process itself with the aid of the above-described components of the adjustment arrangement 100 will be described below.

For the adjustment of the heating system 2 which has the burner 3, at least one exhaust-gas parameter of an exhaust-gas flow of the heating system 2 which is discharged through the exhaust-gas duct 18 is measured with the aid of the at least one exhaust-gas sensor 4 of the exhaust-gas measuring device 1, and the heating system 2 is regulated to an optimum operating point in a manner dependent on at least one determined measurement value. According to the invention, this may be performed in automated fashion. The automated adjustment of the heating system 2 is realized by virtue of the following method steps being performed until the optimum operating point of the heating system 2 is reached:

    • measuring the at least one exhaust-gas parameter by way of the at least one exhaust-gas sensor 4 of the exhaust-gas measuring device 1,
    • transmitting determined data and/or measurement values from the exhaust-gas sensor 4 to a control unit 26,
    • generating at least one setting and/or control signal on the basis of the transmitted data and/or measurement values with the aid of the control unit 26, and
    • actuating and/or setting at least one actuator 11, which influences the at least one exhaust-gas parameter, of the heating system 2 in accordance with the at least one setting and/or control signal.

Here, a data connection 6 between the exhaust-gas measuring device 1 and the control unit 26, whether the latter be provided in the heating system 2, in the exhaust-gas measuring device itself or in a separate device, is established, via which data connection data and measurement values are transmitted at least from the exhaust-gas measuring device 1 to the control unit 26 and are converted by the control unit 26 into setting or control signals for the automated adjustment of the heating system 2. For this purpose, the at least one exhaust-gas parameter is, during the adjustment of the heating system 2, measured in automated fashion by way of the at least one exhaust-gas sensor 4 of the exhaust-gas measuring device 1, and determined measurement values are detected in automated fashion by the exhaust-gas measuring device 1. At least one measurement value detected by the exhaust-gas measuring device 1 is then, during the adjustment, compared in automated fashion with at least one exhaust-gas-parameter-specific and/or installation-specific setpoint value, and a deviation of the at least one exhaust-gas parameter from the setpoint value is determined by the heating system 2 or by the exhaust-gas measuring device 1 or by the control unit 26.

Here, it may be provided that measurement values and/or data determined by the exhaust-gas measuring device 1 are, in particular during the adjustment of the heating system 2 and/or preferably in automated fashion, compared with at least one exhaust-gas-parameter-specific and/or installation-specific setpoint value, in particular by way of the comparator 9, and a deviation of the at least one exhaust-gas parameter from the setpoint value is determined. Here, the control unit 26 may generate the at least one setting or control signal in a manner dependent on the determined deviation. The at least one actuator 11 of the heating system 2 is actuated, for the purposes of adjusting the heating system 2, in accordance with the at least one setting and/or control signal in such a way that, or until, the determined deviation reaches or exceeds or falls below a defined threshold value.

The exhaust-gas measuring device 1 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 is equipped with an extraction probe 22 which is connected to the exhaust-gas measuring device 1 via a hose 23. By way of the extraction probe 22, an exhaust-gas sample can be extracted from the exhaust-gas duct 18 of the heating system 2 and supplied via the hose 23 to a sensor arrangement, which comprises at least one exhaust-gas sensor 4, in the exhaust-gas measuring device 1 for the purposes of analysis and measurement.

The exhaust-gas measuring device 1 illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 has a measurement sensor 24, on the free end 25 of which there is arranged a sensor arrangement of the exhaust-gas measuring device 1, which sensor arrangement comprises at least one exhaust-gas sensor 4 of the exhaust-gas measuring device 1. In the exemplary embodiment of the adjustment arrangement illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, said exhaust-gas sensor 4 of the exhaust-gas measuring device 1 is inserted into the exhaust-gas duct 18 of the heating system through an opening, that is to say can perform the required measurements directly in the exhaust-gas flow of the heating system 2.

In one embodiment of the method, it is provided that measurement values of the at least one exhaust-gas parameter detected by the exhaust-gas measuring device 1 are, during the adjustment of the heating system 2, transmitted via the data connection 6 in automated fashion to the control unit 26 and compared with an exhaust-gas-parameter-specific and/or installation-specific setpoint value, and a deviation of the exhaust-gas parameter from the setpoint value is determined. In a manner dependent on the determined deviation, it is then possible for the control unit 26 to generate a setting or control signal, by way of which at least one actuator 11 of the heating system 2 is at least indirectly actuated. Here, in particular if the actuator 11 is a throttle flap, an actuation is to be understood to mean an adjustment.

The actuator 11 is actuated until the deviation, which is determined in automated fashion, reaches or exceeds or falls below the defined threshold value.

In another embodiment of the method, it may alternatively or additionally be provided that the measurement values, detected by the exhaust-gas measuring device 1, of the at least one exhaust-gas parameter are, during the adjustment of the heating system 2, compared in automated fashion in the exhaust-gas measuring device 1 with an exhaust-gas-parameter-specific and/or installation-specific setpoint value, and a deviation of the at least one exhaust-gas parameter from the setpoint value is determined. Then, subsequently, in the control unit 26, be it in the exhaust-gas measuring device 1, in the heating system 2 or in a separate control unit 26, a setting or control signal can be generated in a manner dependent on the deviation, which setting or control signal is transmitted via the data connection 6 and/or the control connection 27 to the heating system 2, in particular to the regulating device 10 and/or to the at least one actuator 11, in order to at least indirectly actuate the at least one actuator 11 of the heating system 2. In this case, too, the actuation of the at least one actuator 11 of the heating system 2 is performed until the deviation determined in automated fashion reaches, exceeds or falls below a defined threshold value.

In both embodiments of the method, the at least one exhaust-gas-parameter-specific and/or installation-specific setpoint value may be input manually into the control unit 26 and/or into the exhaust-gas measuring device 1 and/or into the comparator 9 and/or into the heating system 2, in particular into a or the regulating device 10 of the heating system 2, and stored therein.

It is however also provided that at least the one exhaust-gas-parameter-specific and/or installation-specific setpoint value is, preferably in automated fashion, read out from a preferably Internet-based and/or PC-based database by the control unit 26 and/or by the exhaust-gas measuring device 1 and/or by the comparator 9 and/or by the heating system 2, in particular by the regulating device 10 of the heating system 2, and stored in the control unit 26 and/or in the exhaust-gas measuring device 1 and/or in the heating system 2.

A transmission of data between the heating system 2 and the exhaust-gas measuring device 1 may, in the exemplary embodiments in FIGS. 1 and 3, be performed in wireless fashion or (cf. the exemplary embodiments in FIGS. 2 and 4) in wired fashion.

It is also provided that a transmission of data between the exhaust-gas measuring device 1 and/or the at least one exhaust-gas sensor 4 and the control unit 26 and/or between the control unit 26 and the heating system 2, in particular the regulating device 10 of the heating system 2, is performed in wired and/or wireless and/or bidirectional fashion.

In all cases, it is self-evidently also possible for the transmission of data to be performed in bidirectional fashion.

As already stated above, the exhaust-gas sensor 4 of the exhaust-gas measuring device 1 is set up for determining various exhaust-gas parameters.

Depending on the application and equipment of the exhaust-gas measuring device 1, different exhaust-gas sensors 4 may be installed. It is however basically also conceivable for a multiplicity of exhaust-gas sensors 4 to be used in order to be able to monitor and evaluate as broad as possible a spectrum of exhaust-gas parameters for the purposes of adjusting the heating system 2. Through the use of additional sensors, for example pressure, temperature and/or throughflow sensors, for the measurement of further parameters, said spectrum can be broadened yet further.

After an adjustment of the heating system 2 has taken place, it is possible, if desired, for a type of test cycle to be performed, which serves for a calibration and subsequent tracking adjustment of a sensor arrangement of the heating system 2 and which constitutes the actual completion of the adjustment of the heating system 2 for correct operation.

For the monitoring of the regulating behavior of the heating system 2, it is possible, in particular after the heating system 2 has been adjusted to its optimum operating point, for the control unit 26 to predefine a monitoring setting signal which effects an actuation, in particular an adjustment, of at least one actuator 11 of the heating system 2. Thereafter, it is possible for at least one measurement value of at least one exhaust-gas parameter determined by an exhaust-gas sensor 20 of the heating system 2 to be compared with a measurement value of the same exhaust-gas parameter determined by way of the exhaust-gas sensor 4 of the exhaust-gas measuring device 1, and for a deviation of the at least one measurement value determined with the aid of the exhaust-gas sensor 20 of the heating system 2 from the measurement value determined with the aid of the exhaust-gas measuring device 1 to be determined. In a manner dependent on the deviation, it is then possible for a synchronization and/or a tracking adjustment and/or a readjustment of the regulating device 10 and/or of the at least one exhaust-gas sensor 20 of the heating system 2 to be performed.

For this purpose, in particular by way of the control unit 26, an offset value is stored in the heating system 2, preferably in the regulating device 10 of the heating system 2, which offset value represents a previously determined measurement deviation of the exhaust-gas sensor 20 of the heating system 2. In this way, it is thus possible for the regulating behavior of the heating system 2 to be synchronized, undergo a tracking adjustment or be readjusted.

The use of the exhaust-gas measuring device 1 for carrying out said synchronization and/or tracking adjustment and/or readjustment of the regulating device or of the at least one exhaust-gas sensor 11 of the heating system 2 is advantageous because the exhaust-gas sensor 4 of the exhaust-gas measuring device 1 is generally a better exhaust-gas sensor than that installed in a heating system 2.

Furthermore, in this way, measurement inaccuracies of the at least one exhaust-gas sensor 20 which is installed in the heating system 2, such as can arise over the course of time owing to wear phenomena in the case of the exhaust-gas sensor 20 of the heating system 2, can be compensated.

In one embodiment of the method, the use of an adjustment program for adjusting the heating system 2 is provided, in which adjustment program at least two actuators 11 of the heating system 2 are actuated or set independently of one another in a manner dependent on measurement values and/or data determined by the exhaust-gas measuring device 1.

At least for the duration of the adjustment of the heating system 2, the exhaust-gas measuring device 2 and/or the control unit 26 may be and remain connected to a data network, in particular to the Internet. It is thus possible for a result of the adjustment of the heating system 2 to be signaled via the data network, in particular via the Internet, to a manufacturer and/or supplier of the heating system 2.

For the automated adjustment of the heating system 2, the data connection 6 is established between the exhaust-gas measuring device 1 and the control unit 26, via which data connection data, measurement values or control or setting signals for the adjustment of the heating system 2 are transmitted at least from the exhaust-gas measuring device 1 to the control unit 26. During the adjustment of the heating system 2, at least one exhaust-gas parameter is automatically measured by way of the at least one exhaust-gas sensor 4 of the exhaust-gas measuring device 1, and determined measurement values are detected in automated fashion by the exhaust-gas measuring device 1. Then, a deviation of the determined measurement value from an exhaust-gas-parameter-specific and/or installation-specific setpoint value is determined, and an automated adjustment of the heating system 2, which automated adjustment is initiated by the control unit 26, is performed in a manner dependent on the determined deviation.

Claims

1. A method for adjusting a heating system (2),

comprising at least one exhaust-gas parameter of an exhaust-gas flow of the heating system (2) being measured using at least one exhaust-gas sensor (4) of an exhaust-gas measuring device (1), and the heating system (2) being adjusted to an optimum operating point in a manner dependent on at least one determined measurement value, the method comprising performing the following steps until the optimum operating point of the heating system (2) is attained:
measuring the at least one exhaust-gas parameter by way of the at least one exhaust-gas sensor (4) of the exhaust-gas measuring device (1),
transmitting at least one of determined data or measurement values from the exhaust-gas sensor (4) to a control unit (26),
generating at least one setting or a control signal based on the at least one of the transmitted data or the measurement values using the control unit (26), and
at least one of actuating or setting at least one actuator (11), which influences the at least one exhaust-gas parameter, of the heating system (2) in accordance with the at least one of the setting or the control signal.

2. The method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising comparing at least one of the measurement values or the data determined by the exhaust-gas measuring device (1) with at least one of an exhaust-gas-parameter-specific or an installation-specific setpoint value, and determining a deviation of the at least one exhaust-gas parameter from the setpoint value, the control unit (26) generating the at least one of the setting or the control signal in a manner dependent on the determined deviation, and the at least one actuator (11) of the heating system (2) being actuated, for the purposes of adjusting the heating system (2), in accordance with the at least one of the setting or the control signal until the determined deviation reaches or exceeds or falls below a defined threshold value.

3. The method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising transmitting at least one of the measurement values or the data detected by the exhaust-gas sensor (4) via a data connection (6) to the control unit (26).

4. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein, between the control unit (26) and the heating system (2) there is produced or exists a control connection (27) via which the at least one of the setting or the control signal is transmitted for the purposes of actuating the at least one actuator (11).

5. The method as claimed in claim 2, further comprising manually inputting the at least one of the exhaust-gas-parameter-specific or the installation-specific setpoint value into at least one of the control unit (26), the exhaust-gas measuring device (1), a comparator (9), or into the heating system (2), and stored therein, or in that the at least one of the exhaust-gas-parameter-specific and the installation-specific setpoint value is read out from a preferably Internet-based or PC-based database by at least one of the control unit (26), the exhaust-gas measuring device (1), the comparator (9), or the heating system (2) and stored in at least one of the control unit (26), in the exhaust-gas measuring device (1), or the heating system (2).

6. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein a transmission of data between at least one of the exhaust-gas measuring device (1) or the at least one exhaust-gas sensor (4) and the control unit (26) or between the control unit (26) and the heating system (2), or both, is performed in at least one of a wired, wireless, or bidirectional fashion.

7. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one of a loss of exhaust gas or a concentration of exhaust-gas constituents are at least one of measured or determined by the at least one exhaust-gas sensor (4) of the exhaust-gas measuring device (1).

8. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein, after the heating system (2) has been adjusted to said optimum operating point, the control unit (26) predefines, for purposes of monitoring a regulating behavior of the heating system (2), a monitoring setting signal which effects an actuation of the at least one actuator (11) of the heating system (2), whereafter at least one measurement value of at least one exhaust-gas parameter determined by an exhaust-gas sensor (20) of the heating system (2) is compared with a measurement value of the same exhaust-gas parameter determined by way of the exhaust-gas sensor (4) of the exhaust-gas measuring device (1), and a deviation of the at least one measurement value determined with the aid of the exhaust-gas sensor (20) of the heating system (2) from the measurement value determined with the aid of the exhaust-gas measuring device (1) is determined, and the method further comprises performing at least one of a synchronization, a tracking adjustment, or a readjustment of at least one of the regulating device (10) or of the at least one exhaust-gas sensor (20) of the heating system (2) in a manner dependent on the deviation.

9. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein an offset value is stored in the heating system (2) for the purposes of the synchronization or the tracking adjustment or the readjustment of the regulating device (10) or of at least one exhaust-gas sensor (20) of the heating system (2), which offset value represents a previously determined measurement deviation of the exhaust-gas sensor (20) of the heating system (2).

10. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein exchange of data between two or more of the exhaust-gas measuring device (1), the control unit (26) or the heating system (2) takes place via a connection adapter (14) which is formed on the control unit (26) and connection interfaces (15) of which are compatible with data interfaces (5, 12) of at least one of the exhaust-gas measuring device (1) or a counterpart interface (12) of the heating system (2).

11. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein, for the adjustment of the heating system (2), use is made of an adjustment program by way of which at least two of the actuators (11) of the heating system (2) are actuated or set independently of one another in a manner dependent on at least one of the measurement values or the data determined by the exhaust-gas measuring device (1).

12. The method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising connecting at least one of the exhaust-gas measuring device or the control unit (26) to a data network at least for a duration of the adjustment of the heating system (2), and signaling a result of the adjustment of the heating system (2) via the data network to at least one of a manufacturer or supplier of the heating system (2).

13. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (26) is implemented in the exhaust-gas measuring device (1), in the heating system (2), and in a computer virtually via an Internet connection, or on a server.

14. An exhaust-gas measuring device (1) comprising at least one exhaust-gas sensor (4) for determining a measurement value of at least one exhaust-gas parameter, wherein the exhaust-gas measuring device (1) is set up for carrying out the method as claimed in claim 1.

15. The exhaust-gas measuring device (1) as claimed in claim 14, further comprising at least one of a data interface (5) via which a data connection (6) between the exhaust-gas measuring device (1) and a control unit (26) is established in order for at least one of the measurement values or the data determined by way of the at least one exhaust-gas sensor (4) to be transmitted to the control unit (26), the control unit (26) being set up for generating setting or control signals for the adjustment of a heating system (1) in a manner dependent on at least one of the measurement values or the data detected by the exhaust-gas measuring device (1), or a control unit (26) for generating setting or control signals for the adjustment of a heating system (2) in a manner dependent on at least one of the measurement values or the data detected by the exhaust-gas measuring device (1) and has a data interface (5), it being possible, via the data interface (5), for a control connection (27) between the control unit (26) and a heating system (2), to be established in order for generated setting or control signals for the adjustment of the heating system (2) to be transmitted from the control unit (26) to the heating system (2).

16. The exhaust-gas measuring device (1) as claimed in claim 14, further comprising at least one of a data memory (8) for the detection and storage of at least one measurement value determined by the exhaust-gas sensor (4), or a comparator (9) which is set up for determining a deviation between at least one detected measurement value and at least one of an exhaust-gas-parameter-specific or installation-specific setpoint value.

17. The exhaust-gas measuring device (1) as claimed in claim 16, wherein the exhaust-gas measuring device (1) is set up for generating a setting or control signal which is compatible with a heating system (2), the generated setting or control signal being dependent on the determined deviation of the at least one measurement value from the at least one of the exhaust-gas-parameter-specific or installation-specific setpoint value.

18. The exhaust-gas measuring device (1) as claimed in claim 14, wherein the setting or control signal transmitted to the heating system (2) is configured for effecting an at least indirect actuation or adjustment of at least one actuator (11), which influences the at least one measured exhaust-gas parameter, of the heating system (2).

19. The exhaust-gas measuring device (1) as claimed in claim 15, wherein the data interface (5) of the exhaust-gas measuring device (1) is at least indirectly connectable, and in a usage position connected, to a counterpart interface (12) which is provided on at least one of the heating system (2) or the control unit (26).

20. The exhaust-gas measuring device (1) as claimed in claim 15, further comprising a connection adapter (14) with connection interfaces (15) for the indirect connection of the exhaust-gas measuring device (1) to at least one of the heating system (2) the control unit (26), at least one of said connection interfaces (15) is compatible with the data interface (5) of the exhaust-gas measuring device (1) and at least one second of said connection interfaces is compatible with a or the counterpart interface (12) of at least one of the heating system (2) or of the control unit (26), and by which the data interface (5) of the exhaust-gas measuring device (1) and the counterpart interface (12) are connectable, and in a usage position connected, in at least one of a wired or wireless fashion.

21. The exhaust-gas measuring device (1) as claimed in claim 20, wherein at least one of the data interface (5) of the exhaust-gas measuring device (1), the connection interfaces (15) of the connection adapter (14), a counterpart interface (12) of at least one of the heating system (2) or the control unit (26) are set up for bidirectional data transmission.

22. The exhaust-gas measuring device (1) as claimed in claim 20, further comprising at least one second data interface (17) via which at least one exhaust-gas-parameter-specific or installation-specific setpoint value is readable from a database into the exhaust-gas measuring device (1) and stored therein.

23. The exhaust-gas measuring device (1) as claimed in claim 15, wherein the at least one exhaust-gas sensor (4) is set up for determining at least one of absolute measurement values, a loss of exhaust gas, or a concentration of exhaust-gas constituents an exhaust-gas temperature, an inlet air temperature, a combustion air temperature, a dewpoint temperature, or a combustion air ratio.

24. A heating system (2) comprising a regulating device (10) and at least one actuator (11) which is connected to the regulating device (10) and by way of which at least one exhaust-gas parameter of an exhaust-gas flow of the heating system (2) is influenced, the heating system including an exhaust-gas measuring device (1) as claimed in claim 14.

25. The heating system (2) as claimed in claim 24, further comprising a counterpart interface (12) at least for receiving measurement values of the exhaust-gas measuring device (1) or setting or control signals of a control unit (26) the counterpart interface (12) is compatible with a data interface (5) of the exhaust-gas measuring device (1).

26. The heating system (2) as claimed in claim 25, wherein the regulating device (10) has the control unit (26) for generating at least one of the setting or control signals on the basis of at least one of a data or measurement values determined by the exhaust-gas measuring device (1), or has a comparator (19) for comparing at least one of the exhaust-gas-parameter-specific measurement value with an exhaust-gas-parameter-specific or an installation-specific setpoint value.

27. The heating system (2) as claimed in claim 26, wherein the heating system (2) includes the exhaust-gas sensor (20) which is connected to at least one of the regulating device (10) or at least indirectly to the counterpart interface (12), and at least one measurement value measured by the exhaust-gas sensor (20) can be is transmitted via the counterpart interface (12) of the heating system (2) to the exhaust-gas measuring device (1) which is connected to the counterpart interface (12), or is transmitted via the counterpart interface (12) of the heating system (2) to the control unit (26), which is connected to the counterpart interface (12).

28. The heating system (2) as claimed in claim 24, wherein an offset value which represents a measurement deviation of the at least one exhaust-gas sensor (1) of the heating system (2), and which compensates said measurement deviation, is stored in the heating system (2).

29. The heating system (2) as claimed in claim 24, wherein at least one exhaust-gas-parameter-specific or installation-specific setpoint value is stored in the heating system (2), or the heating system (2) has a data interface via which the at least one exhaust-gas-parameter-specific or installation-specific setpoint value is at least one of manually input or read from a database, in particular an Internet-based or PC-based database, or from the exhaust-gas measuring device (1), into the heating system (2), or wherein the setpoint value stored in the heating system (2) is transmitted via the data connection (6) or via a control connection (27) to the exhaust-gas measuring device (1) or to the control unit (26).

30. An adjustment arrangement (100) comprising a heating system (2) as claimed in one of claim 24, the exhaust-gas sensor (4) of the exhaust-gas measuring device (1) being arranged in a measurement position, and the exhaust-gas measuring device (1) being connected, for at least one of transmission or exchange of data, measurement values or setting or control signals required for the adjustment, to the control unit (26) which is set up for generating at least one setting or control signal based on at least one of the measurement values or data determined by the exhaust-gas measuring device (1).

31. The adjustment arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 30, wherein the control unit (26) is connected at least indirectly to at least one actuator (11) of the heating system (2) for at least one of the transmission or exchange of at least one of data, measurement values or setting or control signals required for the adjustment.

Patent History
Publication number: 20170038092
Type: Application
Filed: Aug 8, 2016
Publication Date: Feb 9, 2017
Applicant: Testo AG (Schwenningen)
Inventor: Knut Hoyer (Schwenningen)
Application Number: 15/230,773
Classifications
International Classification: F24H 9/20 (20060101);