WO2006079123A2 - Temperature control - Google Patents

Temperature control Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2006079123A2
WO2006079123A2 PCT/ZA2006/000008 ZA2006000008W WO2006079123A2 WO 2006079123 A2 WO2006079123 A2 WO 2006079123A2 ZA 2006000008 W ZA2006000008 W ZA 2006000008W WO 2006079123 A2 WO2006079123 A2 WO 2006079123A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
temperature
thermal storage
storage media
restore
thermal
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/ZA2006/000008
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
WO2006079123A3 (en
Inventor
Jonathan Sinclair Youngleson
Original Assignee
Pro Direct Investments 297 (Pty) Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Pro Direct Investments 297 (Pty) Ltd filed Critical Pro Direct Investments 297 (Pty) Ltd
Publication of WO2006079123A2 publication Critical patent/WO2006079123A2/en
Publication of WO2006079123A3 publication Critical patent/WO2006079123A3/en

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24H—FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
    • F24H9/00—Details
    • F24H9/20—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices
    • F24H9/2007—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices for water heaters
    • F24H9/2014—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices for water heaters using electrical energy supply
    • F24H9/2021—Storage heaters
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24H—FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
    • F24H15/00—Control of fluid heaters
    • F24H15/10—Control of fluid heaters characterised by the purpose of the control
    • F24H15/144—Measuring or calculating energy consumption
    • F24H15/148—Assessing the current energy consumption
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24H—FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
    • F24H15/00—Control of fluid heaters
    • F24H15/10—Control of fluid heaters characterised by the purpose of the control
    • F24H15/174—Supplying heated water with desired temperature or desired range of temperature
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24H—FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
    • F24H15/00—Control of fluid heaters
    • F24H15/20—Control of fluid heaters characterised by control inputs
    • F24H15/212—Temperature of the water
    • F24H15/223—Temperature of the water in the water storage tank
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24H—FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
    • F24H15/00—Control of fluid heaters
    • F24H15/20—Control of fluid heaters characterised by control inputs
    • F24H15/269—Time, e.g. hour or date
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24H—FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
    • F24H15/00—Control of fluid heaters
    • F24H15/20—Control of fluid heaters characterised by control inputs
    • F24H15/281—Input from user
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24H—FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
    • F24H15/00—Control of fluid heaters
    • F24H15/30—Control of fluid heaters characterised by control outputs; characterised by the components to be controlled
    • F24H15/355—Control of heat-generating means in heaters
    • F24H15/37—Control of heat-generating means in heaters of electric heaters
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24H—FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
    • F24H15/00—Control of fluid heaters
    • F24H15/30—Control of fluid heaters characterised by control outputs; characterised by the components to be controlled
    • F24H15/395—Information to users, e.g. alarms
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24H—FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
    • F24H15/00—Control of fluid heaters
    • F24H15/40—Control of fluid heaters characterised by the type of controllers
    • F24H15/414—Control of fluid heaters characterised by the type of controllers using electronic processing, e.g. computer-based
    • F24H15/421—Control of fluid heaters characterised by the type of controllers using electronic processing, e.g. computer-based using pre-stored data
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24H—FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
    • F24H15/00—Control of fluid heaters
    • F24H15/40—Control of fluid heaters characterised by the type of controllers
    • F24H15/414—Control of fluid heaters characterised by the type of controllers using electronic processing, e.g. computer-based
    • F24H15/45—Control of fluid heaters characterised by the type of controllers using electronic processing, e.g. computer-based remotely accessible
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05D—SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING OR REGULATING NON-ELECTRIC VARIABLES
    • G05D23/00—Control of temperature
    • G05D23/19—Control of temperature characterised by the use of electric means
    • G05D23/1919—Control of temperature characterised by the use of electric means characterised by the type of controller
    • G05D23/1923—Control of temperature characterised by the use of electric means characterised by the type of controller using thermal energy, the cost of which varies in function of time
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24H—FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
    • F24H15/00—Control of fluid heaters
    • F24H15/20—Control of fluid heaters characterised by control inputs

Definitions

  • THIS INVENTION relates to temperature control.
  • the invention relates to a method of determining an amount of thermal energy stored in a thermal storage reservoir, to a method of determining a time to restore a temperature of thermal storage media, to a temperature processor, to a set of computer executable instructions and to a machine readable data carrier.
  • electromechanical thermostats which are connected to electrical heating elements are used to regulate the heating of the water in the reservoir.
  • the thermostat uses the so called “bang bang” control methodology whereby the electrical heating element is switched on when the thermostat detects that the temperature of the water in the reservoir drops below a predefined lower threshold and whereby the electrical heating element is switched off when the thermostat detects that the temperature of the water in the reservoir raises above a predefined upper threshold.
  • the thermostat has a so called “dead band" between the lower and the upper thresholds.
  • the inventor is aware of devices which uses more sophisticated sensing and control electronics to simulate the operation of the known electromechanical type of thermostat.
  • the known devices there is no way of determining how much usable hot water is available in the reservoir, i.e. how much energy in the form of heated water is stored in the reservoir. Therefore, it is not possible to control the heating of the water and the energy consumption of a water heater so that energy usage during peak periods can be optimised.
  • a method of determining an amount of thermal energy stored in thermal storage media in a temperature controlled thermal storage reservoir in which a temperature of the thermal storage media can vary and in which the thermal storage media is to be maintained at a desired temperature which method includes periodically measuring a temperature of the thermal storage media; calculating a rate of temperature change from the desired temperature of the thermal storage media; retrieving previously stored data representing an amount of thermal energy stored in the thermal storage media; and adding the rate of temperature change multiplied by a predefined constant value to the previously stored data.
  • the temperature variations of the thermal storage media may be caused by the extraction of a volume of liquid at a first temperature from a temperature controlled liquid reservoir and the introduction of an equivalent volume of fresh liquid at a second temperature into the liquid reservoir.
  • the method may include determining the predefined constant value by use of the relationship to which a calculated time to restore the temperature relates to a measured time to restore the temperature of the thermal storage media.
  • the calculated time to restore the temperature of the thermal storage media may be based on the heat capacity of the thermal storage media, the measured temperature variation from the desired temperature, and the thermal energy exchanged with the thermal storage media.
  • the method may include storing the actual time to restore the temperature for a particular temperature variation.
  • a method of determining a time to restore a temperature of thermal storage media in a temperature controlled thermal storage reservoir in which a temperature of the thermal storage media can vary and in which the thermal storage media are to be maintained at a desired temperature which method includes periodically measuring a temperature variation of the thermal storage media from the desired temperature of the thermal storage media; accessing predefined data which represent, for a temperature controlled thermal storage reservoir, times to restore the temperature of the thermal storage media for particular rates of temperature change of the thermal storage media; and calculating the time to restore the temperature of the thermal storage media for the measured temperature variation by referencing the measured rate of temperature change to previously stored times to restore the temperature of the thermal storage media.
  • a method of determining a time to restore a temperature of thermal storage media in a temperature controlled thermal storage reservoir in which a temperature of the thermal storage media can vary and in which the thermal storage media are to be maintained at a desired temperature which method includes periodically measuring a temperature variation of the thermal storage media from the desired temperature of the thermal storage media; accessing predefined data which represent, for a particular temperature controlled thermal storage reservoir, measured times to restore the temperature of the thermal storage media mapped to temperature variations; and calculating the temperature restoration time of the thermal storage media for the measured temperature variation by referencing the measured temperature variation to at least one temperature variation in the predefined set of data.
  • the method may include calculating an amount of thermal energy in the thermal storage media by use of the heat capacity of the thermal media, the measured temperature variation from the desired temperature and the thermal energy exchanged with the thermal storage media.
  • the method may include, for a particular temperature controlled thermal storage reservoir, the prior step of storing the data representing times to restore the temperature of the thermal storage media to temperature variations of the thermal storage media.
  • the method may include calculating a factor by which the actual time to restore the temperature differs from the calculated time to restore the temperature.
  • the method may further include determining the energy required to restore the temperature of the liquid to the desired temperature, e.g. by using a predefined energy consumption rating or by measuring the energy consumption.
  • Additional data may be stored with the data.
  • the additional data may include any one or more of: a measured temperature of the liquid in the thermal storage reservoir, a calculated temperature of the liquid in the thermal storage reservoir, measured power introduced into the liquid, status of an electrical heating element or cooling arrangement and an ambient temperature of the fresh liquid.
  • the method may thus include adjusting the calculated time to restore the temperature based on the additional data stored.
  • the method may include storing more recent data and discarding previous or older data.
  • the temperature in the thermal storage media may further be varied, such as when further liquid is extracted from the liquid storage reservoir, the method may then include updating the calculated time to restore the temperature if a further temperature variation of the thermal storage media occurs.
  • the invention extends to a temperature controller, which includes sensing means which is connectable to a thermal storage reservoir in which a temperature of the thermal storage media can vary and in which the thermal storage media are to be maintained at a desired temperature, the sensing means operable to sense a temperature of the thermal storage media; switching means which is controllably connectable to the thermal storage reservoir, the switching means operable to activate any one of a heating arrangement and a cooling arrangement to exchange thermal energy with the thermal storage media; data storage means operable to store previously recorded data which includes any one or more of a time to restore the temperature of the thermal storage media to the desired temperature referenced to a particular temperature variation, a previously recorded temperature of the thermal storage media, a slope of a temperature variation referenced to a particular time to restore the temperature of the thermal storage media, an ambient temperature of the thermal storage media; and control logic, connected to the sensing means and the switching means, the control logic operable to read a temperature of the thermal storage media from the sensing means, to access the data storage means and in response to activate the switching means when any
  • the temperature controller may include a communication interface operable to communicate with a remote controller thereby to exchange operating variables with the remote controller.
  • the operating variables received by the temperature controller from the remote controller may include any one or more of a hysteresis setting, a standard heating temperature set point, a cold water avoidance temperature, a control mode, a desired status of a heating element, a particular time/date, an identification number of the temperature controller, and the like.
  • the operating variables transmitted from the temperature controller to the remote controller may include any one or more of a measured temperature of the storage media, a calculated temperature of the storage media, a compensation factor (referred to as an exaggeration factor in this specification), an electrical current measurement, current mode, element status, identification number of the controller, and the like.
  • the temperature controller may include an auxiliary interface which is connectable to auxiliary equipment for controlling or monitoring by the temperature controller.
  • the temperature controller may include a user interface operable to communicate with a user.
  • the user interface may include input means permitting a user to input operating variables into the temperature controller.
  • the operating variables may include any one of a desired set point temperature value, user inputs and a required status of the activation circuit.
  • the user interface may include display means for displaying any one of the desired temperature of the thermal storage media, the measured temperature of the thermal storage media, the calculated time to restore the temperature, user requests and the status of the activation circuit.
  • the control logic may be operable to control the switching means in response to receiving a desired temperature restoration time from the remote system controller.
  • the control logic may be operable to activate the switching means when the calculated temperature restoration time approximates the desired temperature restoration time.
  • the invention extends also to a set of processor executable instructions which, when executed on a processor, directs the processor to implement the method as herein described.
  • the invention further extends to a machine readable data carrier, which includes said set of processor executable instructions.
  • FIG. 1 shows a schematic block diagram of a temperature controller in accordance with the invention
  • Figure 2 shows a graph of a temperature of thermal storage media subjected to a single temperature variation with reference to time
  • Figure 3 shows a graph of a temperature of thermal storage media subjected to multiple temperature variations, with reference to time
  • Figure 4 shows a graph of measured temperature and calculated temperature of thermal storage media subjected to a temperature variation, with reference to time;
  • FIGS 5 and 6 show flow diagrams of execution steps of a processor of the temperature controller of Figure 1 executing a set of processor executable instructions in accordance with the invention.
  • FIG. 1 of the drawings shows a temperature controller 10, which includes data storage means 12 in the form of non-volatile random access memory (RAM), a temperature interface 14 and a processor 16.
  • data storage means 12 in the form of non-volatile random access memory (RAM)
  • temperature interface 14 in the form of non-volatile random access memory (RAM)
  • processor 16 in the form of processor 16.
  • control logic indicated by reference numeral 18.
  • Reference numeral 20 refers to switching means in the form of a mains switching relay to which the control logic 18 is controllably connected.
  • a user interface 22 is connected to the control logic 18.
  • the user interface 22 includes display means in the form of light emitting diodes (LED's) 22.1 and input means in the form of a keypad 22.2.
  • the user interface 22 is operable to permit input of operating variables by a user and is operable to display operating variables to a user.
  • the display means 22.1 can be in the form of a liquid crystal display (LCD).
  • a system interface 24 in the form of a communications transmitter/receiver is connected to the control logic 18 for receiving operating variables from a remote system controller or for transmitting operating variables to the remote system controller.
  • operating variables such as: a hysteresis setting, a standard heating temperature set point, a cold water avoidance temperature, - a control mode, a desired status of a heating element, a particular time/date, an identification number of the temperature controller, and the like can be received from the remote system controller.
  • operating variables such as: measured actual temperature of the storage media, calculated temperature of the storage media, - a compensation factor (referred to as an exaggeration factor in this specification), a current measurement, a mode request, an element status request, - an identification request, and the like can be transmitted to the remote system controller.
  • An auxiliary interface 26 having switching circuitry and which is controllable by the control logic 18 is provided for controlling auxiliary equipment or switchgear.
  • no auxiliary switchgear is connected to the temperature controller 10.
  • a power supply 28 is connectable to a mains electrical supply, indicated by reference numeral 36, for providing power to the control logic 18 and to the mains switching relay 20.
  • the temperature controller 10 is shown connected to a thermal storage reservoir, which in this example is a liquid reservoir in the form of a domestic water heater/geyser 30 (shown in broken lines) which includes sensing means in the form of a temperature transducer 32 which is connected to the temperature interface 14 for measuring the temperature of the body of liquid in the liquid reservoir 30.
  • the temperature transducer 32 may be in the form of a solid state transducer, a thermo couple, or the like.
  • the temperature transducer may be connectable in parallel to a factory fitted water heater/geyser thermostat (not shown), so as not to influence the normal operation of the heater/geyser if the temperature controller is de-activated.
  • the temperature transducer may be located in a so called thermostat pocket (not shown), which is a dry cavity extending to the inside of the geyser from which the water temperature can be measured more accurately.
  • the liquid reservoir 30 further includes an electrical heating element 34 to which the mains switching relay 20 is controllably connected via a current sensor 21.
  • a back-up mains supply 37 may be provided to the heating element 34 in event of a failure of the temperature controller 10.
  • the thermostat not shown
  • heating element 34 of the geyser 30 will function as usual, i.e. the thermostat measuring the temperature of the water and controlably switching the element 34 on or off.
  • Figure 2 shows a graph of an approximation of the temperature of hot water in the geyser 30 when the hot water is withdrawn from the geyser 30 and exchanged with cold water.
  • An arrow 40 shows the temperature variation of the water and an arrow 42 shows the time to restore the temperature of the water after the heating element 34 is switched on.
  • Figure 3 also shows a graph of an approximation of the temperature of hot water in the geyser 30 when the hot water is repeatedly withdrawn from the geyser 30 and exchanged with cold water.
  • Reference numeral 44 shows a zone of the graph where a small amount of water is exchanged
  • numeral 50 shows a zone of the graph where a large amount of water is exchanged, with zones 46 and 48 showing water replacements of amounts of water between those of zones 44 and 50.
  • the graph marked 60 shows a temperature measured in the so called thermostat pocket of the geyser 30 over a period of time. From the stepped appearance of the graph it is clear that the temperature measurements were read from the temperature transducer 32 by the control logic 18 at discrete intervals.
  • the inventors have found that water in a domestic water heater/geyser stratifies, i.e. hot water raises to the top and cold water moves to the bottom of the geyser.
  • the hot water is drawn from the top of the geyser and the cold replacement water is introduced into the bottom of the geyser.
  • the stratification effect of water occurs especially when an elongate geyser is positioned in an upright orientation.
  • the stratification of the water in the geyser is such that the amount of usable hot water in the geyser can not be estimated accurately. For example, based on a water temperature measurement from the temperature transducer 32, it may seem that the water in the geyser has dropped to ambient temperature (i.e. the water is cold), while there is still hot water left in the geyser.
  • the correction factor is referred to in the specification as an exaggeration factor.
  • the exaggeration factor represents the calculated time to restore the water temperature to the actual time to restore the water temperature to a desired temperature set point.
  • the exaggeration factor is determined as follows: - The actual time to restore the temperature is measured following a water exchange.
  • M is the mass of water, i.e. approximately the geyser capacity in liter, which stays constant
  • C is the specific heat of water, which is constant
  • ⁇ T is the measured temperature difference, i.e. setpoint - measured temperature which is measured by the temperature transducer 32
  • E is the energy rating of the geyser which is known, or which can be measured by the current sensor 21.
  • the exaggeration factor is determined by dividing the calculated time to restore by the actual time to restore: t(actual) ' t(measured)
  • the graph 62 is plotted by multiplying the temperature measured by the transducer 32 with the exaggeration factor. From the shape of the graph it can be seen that the temperature drop of water at the extraction point is similar in shape to the temperature drop at the transducer 32, but the temperature does not drop to the ambient temperature, when properly regulated.
  • the Rate of change is the negative slope of the graph 60.
  • FIGS 5 and 6 show flow diagrams of execution steps of the processor 16 of the temperature controller 10 of Figure 1, executing a set of computer executable instructions in accordance with the invention. It is to be appreciated that the flow diagram represents a functional flow, but that the actual execution in a multi-tasking environment may be different from that indicated.
  • processing starts at 100, where after the processor 16 initialises the variables at 102.
  • the mode setting received from the remote controller i.e. Digital Thermostat Mode or Control Mode
  • the mode is Digital Thermostat Mode indicated by 110
  • the status of the elelement 34 is checked at 112. If the element 34 is switched on, then at 114 it is determined if the Standard heating temperature set point is higher than the measured temperature. If not, then the element is switched off at 116.
  • the exaggeration factor is calculated at 118, which calculation will be explained in more detail below.
  • the element is switched on at 122, whereafter execution is directed to 118, where the exaggration factor is calculated.
  • control mode If at 108 the mode setting received from the remote controller is Control mode, then execution is directed to 126, indicating control mode. At 128, it is determined if the measured temperature is less than the cold water avoidance temperature then execution is directed to
  • execution is directed to 130, where it is determined if the desired status of a heating element has been set, in which case, if the status has not been set, execution is directed to 116, where the element has been switched off.
  • Execution starts at 150, whereafter it is detemined if the temperature has started rising at 152. If it has not, then execution is directed to the end 154.
  • the time to restore the temperature to the Standard heating temperature set point is calculated, as described above.
  • the measured temperature is compared to the Standard heating temperature set point and if it is not the same, i.e. indicating that the temperature is still rising, then exectution is directed back to 164.
  • the actual temperature restoration time is determined by subtracting the time/date stored at 162 from the time/date stored at 166.
  • the exaggeration factor is then determined by dividing the calculated time to restore by the actual time to restore the temperature to the Standard heating temperature set point.
  • the invention illustrated thus provides a method of determining a time to restore the temperature of storage media to a predefined set point based on a measured temperature variation and historical data of the time to restore the media temperature to a predefined set-point.
  • the invention illustrated provides a method of determining the amount of thermal energy which is stored in a thermal storage reservoir by using the time to restore the temperature of the thermal storage media to a predefined set point.
  • the inventor believes that the invention as illustrated provides a temperature controller, a method of estimating the time to restore the temperature of thermal storage media and a method of estimating the thermal energy stored in a storage reservoir without a need for complex mathematical modelling algorithms to model different types of reservoirs on which the temperature controller is to be used.
  • the controller and method illustrated herein can be applied to a wide range of different thermal storage reservoirs, including liquid reservoirs.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Computer Hardware Design (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
  • Control Of Temperature (AREA)

Abstract

A temperature controller and a method of determining an amount of thermal energy stored in thermal storage media in a temperature controlled thermal storage reservoir in which a temperature of the thermal storage media can vary and in which the thermal storage media is to be maintained at a desired temperature, which method includes periodically measuring a temperature of the thermal storage media, calculating a rate of temperature change from the desired temperature of the thermal storage media, retrieving previously stored data representing an amount of thermal energy stored in the thermal storage media and adding the rate of temperature change multiplied by a predefined constant value to the previously stored data.

Description

TEMPERATURE CONTROL
THIS INVENTION relates to temperature control. In particular, the invention relates to a method of determining an amount of thermal energy stored in a thermal storage reservoir, to a method of determining a time to restore a temperature of thermal storage media, to a temperature processor, to a set of computer executable instructions and to a machine readable data carrier.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In water storage reservoirs in which the water in the reservoir is to be maintained at a certain desired temperature, electromechanical thermostats which are connected to electrical heating elements are used to regulate the heating of the water in the reservoir. Typically the thermostat uses the so called "bang bang" control methodology whereby the electrical heating element is switched on when the thermostat detects that the temperature of the water in the reservoir drops below a predefined lower threshold and whereby the electrical heating element is switched off when the thermostat detects that the temperature of the water in the reservoir raises above a predefined upper threshold. Typically the thermostat has a so called "dead band" between the lower and the upper thresholds.
The inventor is aware of devices which uses more sophisticated sensing and control electronics to simulate the operation of the known electromechanical type of thermostat. However, in the known devices there is no way of determining how much usable hot water is available in the reservoir, i.e. how much energy in the form of heated water is stored in the reservoir. Therefore, it is not possible to control the heating of the water and the energy consumption of a water heater so that energy usage during peak periods can be optimised.
It is an object of the invention to address some of the above shortcomings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to the invention, there is provided a method of determining an amount of thermal energy stored in thermal storage media in a temperature controlled thermal storage reservoir in which a temperature of the thermal storage media can vary and in which the thermal storage media is to be maintained at a desired temperature, which method includes periodically measuring a temperature of the thermal storage media; calculating a rate of temperature change from the desired temperature of the thermal storage media; retrieving previously stored data representing an amount of thermal energy stored in the thermal storage media; and adding the rate of temperature change multiplied by a predefined constant value to the previously stored data.
In particular, the temperature variations of the thermal storage media may be caused by the extraction of a volume of liquid at a first temperature from a temperature controlled liquid reservoir and the introduction of an equivalent volume of fresh liquid at a second temperature into the liquid reservoir.
The method may include determining the predefined constant value by use of the relationship to which a calculated time to restore the temperature relates to a measured time to restore the temperature of the thermal storage media. The calculated time to restore the temperature of the thermal storage media may be based on the heat capacity of the thermal storage media, the measured temperature variation from the desired temperature, and the thermal energy exchanged with the thermal storage media.
The method may include storing the actual time to restore the temperature for a particular temperature variation.
According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of determining a time to restore a temperature of thermal storage media in a temperature controlled thermal storage reservoir in which a temperature of the thermal storage media can vary and in which the thermal storage media are to be maintained at a desired temperature, which method includes periodically measuring a temperature variation of the thermal storage media from the desired temperature of the thermal storage media; accessing predefined data which represent, for a temperature controlled thermal storage reservoir, times to restore the temperature of the thermal storage media for particular rates of temperature change of the thermal storage media; and calculating the time to restore the temperature of the thermal storage media for the measured temperature variation by referencing the measured rate of temperature change to previously stored times to restore the temperature of the thermal storage media.
According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of determining a time to restore a temperature of thermal storage media in a temperature controlled thermal storage reservoir in which a temperature of the thermal storage media can vary and in which the thermal storage media are to be maintained at a desired temperature, which method includes periodically measuring a temperature variation of the thermal storage media from the desired temperature of the thermal storage media; accessing predefined data which represent, for a particular temperature controlled thermal storage reservoir, measured times to restore the temperature of the thermal storage media mapped to temperature variations; and calculating the temperature restoration time of the thermal storage media for the measured temperature variation by referencing the measured temperature variation to at least one temperature variation in the predefined set of data.
The method may include calculating an amount of thermal energy in the thermal storage media by use of the heat capacity of the thermal media, the measured temperature variation from the desired temperature and the thermal energy exchanged with the thermal storage media.
The method may include, for a particular temperature controlled thermal storage reservoir, the prior step of storing the data representing times to restore the temperature of the thermal storage media to temperature variations of the thermal storage media.
The method may include calculating a factor by which the actual time to restore the temperature differs from the calculated time to restore the temperature. The method may further include determining the energy required to restore the temperature of the liquid to the desired temperature, e.g. by using a predefined energy consumption rating or by measuring the energy consumption.
Additional data may be stored with the data. The additional data may include any one or more of: a measured temperature of the liquid in the thermal storage reservoir, a calculated temperature of the liquid in the thermal storage reservoir, measured power introduced into the liquid, status of an electrical heating element or cooling arrangement and an ambient temperature of the fresh liquid. The method may thus include adjusting the calculated time to restore the temperature based on the additional data stored.
The method may include storing more recent data and discarding previous or older data.
It is to be appreciated that the temperature in the thermal storage media may further be varied, such as when further liquid is extracted from the liquid storage reservoir, the method may then include updating the calculated time to restore the temperature if a further temperature variation of the thermal storage media occurs.
The invention extends to a temperature controller, which includes sensing means which is connectable to a thermal storage reservoir in which a temperature of the thermal storage media can vary and in which the thermal storage media are to be maintained at a desired temperature, the sensing means operable to sense a temperature of the thermal storage media; switching means which is controllably connectable to the thermal storage reservoir, the switching means operable to activate any one of a heating arrangement and a cooling arrangement to exchange thermal energy with the thermal storage media; data storage means operable to store previously recorded data which includes any one or more of a time to restore the temperature of the thermal storage media to the desired temperature referenced to a particular temperature variation, a previously recorded temperature of the thermal storage media, a slope of a temperature variation referenced to a particular time to restore the temperature of the thermal storage media, an ambient temperature of the thermal storage media; and control logic, connected to the sensing means and the switching means, the control logic operable to read a temperature of the thermal storage media from the sensing means, to access the data storage means and in response to activate the switching means when any one of a slope of a temperature variation corresponds to a predefined value and a sensed temperature of the thermal storage media corresponds to a predefined value.
The temperature controller may include a communication interface operable to communicate with a remote controller thereby to exchange operating variables with the remote controller. The operating variables received by the temperature controller from the remote controller may include any one or more of a hysteresis setting, a standard heating temperature set point, a cold water avoidance temperature, a control mode, a desired status of a heating element, a particular time/date, an identification number of the temperature controller, and the like. The operating variables transmitted from the temperature controller to the remote controller may include any one or more of a measured temperature of the storage media, a calculated temperature of the storage media, a compensation factor (referred to as an exaggeration factor in this specification), an electrical current measurement, current mode, element status, identification number of the controller, and the like.
The temperature controller may include an auxiliary interface which is connectable to auxiliary equipment for controlling or monitoring by the temperature controller.
The temperature controller may include a user interface operable to communicate with a user. The user interface may include input means permitting a user to input operating variables into the temperature controller. For example, the operating variables may include any one of a desired set point temperature value, user inputs and a required status of the activation circuit.
The user interface may include display means for displaying any one of the desired temperature of the thermal storage media, the measured temperature of the thermal storage media, the calculated time to restore the temperature, user requests and the status of the activation circuit.
The control logic may be operable to control the switching means in response to receiving a desired temperature restoration time from the remote system controller. For example, the control logic may be operable to activate the switching means when the calculated temperature restoration time approximates the desired temperature restoration time.
The invention extends also to a set of processor executable instructions which, when executed on a processor, directs the processor to implement the method as herein described. The invention further extends to a machine readable data carrier, which includes said set of processor executable instructions.
The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings.
DRAWINGS
In the drawings:
Figure 1 shows a schematic block diagram of a temperature controller in accordance with the invention;
Figure 2 shows a graph of a temperature of thermal storage media subjected to a single temperature variation with reference to time;
Figure 3 shows a graph of a temperature of thermal storage media subjected to multiple temperature variations, with reference to time;
Figure 4 shows a graph of measured temperature and calculated temperature of thermal storage media subjected to a temperature variation, with reference to time;
Figures 5 and 6 show flow diagrams of execution steps of a processor of the temperature controller of Figure 1 executing a set of processor executable instructions in accordance with the invention. EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
Figure 1 of the drawings shows a temperature controller 10, which includes data storage means 12 in the form of non-volatile random access memory (RAM), a temperature interface 14 and a processor 16.
The combination of the processor 16 and the non-volatile RAM 12 defines control logic, indicated by reference numeral 18.
Reference numeral 20 refers to switching means in the form of a mains switching relay to which the control logic 18 is controllably connected.
A user interface 22 is connected to the control logic 18. The user interface 22 includes display means in the form of light emitting diodes (LED's) 22.1 and input means in the form of a keypad 22.2. The user interface 22 is operable to permit input of operating variables by a user and is operable to display operating variables to a user. In another embodiment the display means 22.1 can be in the form of a liquid crystal display (LCD).
A system interface 24 in the form of a communications transmitter/receiver is connected to the control logic 18 for receiving operating variables from a remote system controller or for transmitting operating variables to the remote system controller.
Typically, operating variables such as: a hysteresis setting, a standard heating temperature set point, a cold water avoidance temperature, - a control mode, a desired status of a heating element, a particular time/date, an identification number of the temperature controller, and the like can be received from the remote system controller. Typically operating variables such as: measured actual temperature of the storage media, calculated temperature of the storage media, - a compensation factor (referred to as an exaggeration factor in this specification), a current measurement, a mode request, an element status request, - an identification request, and the like can be transmitted to the remote system controller.
An auxiliary interface 26 having switching circuitry and which is controllable by the control logic 18 is provided for controlling auxiliary equipment or switchgear. In this example, no auxiliary switchgear is connected to the temperature controller 10.
A power supply 28 is connectable to a mains electrical supply, indicated by reference numeral 36, for providing power to the control logic 18 and to the mains switching relay 20.
The temperature controller 10 is shown connected to a thermal storage reservoir, which in this example is a liquid reservoir in the form of a domestic water heater/geyser 30 (shown in broken lines) which includes sensing means in the form of a temperature transducer 32 which is connected to the temperature interface 14 for measuring the temperature of the body of liquid in the liquid reservoir 30. The temperature transducer 32 may be in the form of a solid state transducer, a thermo couple, or the like. In a preferred embodiment, the temperature transducer may be connectable in parallel to a factory fitted water heater/geyser thermostat (not shown), so as not to influence the normal operation of the heater/geyser if the temperature controller is de-activated. Also, in a preferred embodiment, the temperature transducer may be located in a so called thermostat pocket (not shown), which is a dry cavity extending to the inside of the geyser from which the water temperature can be measured more accurately.
The liquid reservoir 30 further includes an electrical heating element 34 to which the mains switching relay 20 is controllably connected via a current sensor 21. Optionally, a back-up mains supply 37 (shown in broken lines) may be provided to the heating element 34 in event of a failure of the temperature controller 10. In this embodiment, if the temperature controller 10 fails, the thermostat (not shown) and heating element 34 of the geyser 30 will function as usual, i.e. the thermostat measuring the temperature of the water and controlably switching the element 34 on or off.
Figure 2 shows a graph of an approximation of the temperature of hot water in the geyser 30 when the hot water is withdrawn from the geyser 30 and exchanged with cold water. An arrow 40 shows the temperature variation of the water and an arrow 42 shows the time to restore the temperature of the water after the heating element 34 is switched on.
Figure 3 also shows a graph of an approximation of the temperature of hot water in the geyser 30 when the hot water is repeatedly withdrawn from the geyser 30 and exchanged with cold water. Reference numeral 44 shows a zone of the graph where a small amount of water is exchanged and numeral 50 shows a zone of the graph where a large amount of water is exchanged, with zones 46 and 48 showing water replacements of amounts of water between those of zones 44 and 50. From Figure 3, it is clear that the time to restore the temperature of the water in zones 44 to 50 are not in linear relationship to the temperature variations. However, as can be seen, there is a direct relationship between the temperature variation and the time to restore the temperature. Also there is a relationship between the temperature drop and the volume of water exchanged. Now, referring to Figure 4, the graph marked 60 shows a temperature measured in the so called thermostat pocket of the geyser 30 over a period of time. From the stepped appearance of the graph it is clear that the temperature measurements were read from the temperature transducer 32 by the control logic 18 at discrete intervals.
However, the inventors have found that water in a domestic water heater/geyser stratifies, i.e. hot water raises to the top and cold water moves to the bottom of the geyser. In water geysers of which the inventor is aware, the hot water is drawn from the top of the geyser and the cold replacement water is introduced into the bottom of the geyser. It has been found that the stratification effect of water occurs especially when an elongate geyser is positioned in an upright orientation. The stratification of the water in the geyser is such that the amount of usable hot water in the geyser can not be estimated accurately. For example, based on a water temperature measurement from the temperature transducer 32, it may seem that the water in the geyser has dropped to ambient temperature (i.e. the water is cold), while there is still hot water left in the geyser.
In order to arrive at a more accurate representation of the temperature of the usable how water a correction factor has been introduced into the temperature calculations. The correction factor is referred to in the specification as an exaggeration factor. The exaggeration factor represents the calculated time to restore the water temperature to the actual time to restore the water temperature to a desired temperature set point.
The exaggeration factor is determined as follows: - The actual time to restore the temperature is measured following a water exchange.
The calculated time to restore the temperature is determined by using the formula: t = MCΔT Where: t is time
M is the mass of water, i.e. approximately the geyser capacity in liter, which stays constant C is the specific heat of water, which is constant ΔT is the measured temperature difference, i.e. setpoint - measured temperature which is measured by the temperature transducer 32 E is the energy rating of the geyser which is known, or which can be measured by the current sensor 21. The exaggeration factor is determined by dividing the calculated time to restore by the actual time to restore: t(actual) ' t(measured)
Referring back to Figure 4, the graph 62 is plotted by multiplying the temperature measured by the transducer 32 with the exaggeration factor. From the shape of the graph it can be seen that the temperature drop of water at the extraction point is similar in shape to the temperature drop at the transducer 32, but the temperature does not drop to the ambient temperature, when properly regulated.
The amount of usable water in the geyser referred to as "capacity" is determined by the formula: New capacity = Previous capacity + (Rate of change) x (Exaggeration factor)
The Rate of change is the negative slope of the graph 60.
From the shape of the graph it is clear that the above calculations will only be accurate on the negative slope of the graph, i.e. not at the temperature set point where so called standing temperature losses occur, and not at the bottom turning point where the temperature reaches ambient temperature.
By determining the amount of usable hot water, i.e. capacity, it is possible to arrive at an estimation of the amount of thermal energy remaining the in geyser. The amount of energy left in the geyser/thermal storage reservoir can now be used to control switching of the element 34 to maintain temperature at a predefined set point, or to allow the temperature in certain circumstances to drop below the set point but then to avoid the temperature to reach a certain minimum, referred to above as the cold water avoidance temperature. Figures 5 and 6 show flow diagrams of execution steps of the processor 16 of the temperature controller 10 of Figure 1, executing a set of computer executable instructions in accordance with the invention. It is to be appreciated that the flow diagram represents a functional flow, but that the actual execution in a multi-tasking environment may be different from that indicated.
In Figure 5, processing starts at 100, where after the processor 16 initialises the variables at 102. At 104 the communication interfaces between the control logic 18 and the pheripheral devices, in particular the system interface 24, are serviced.
At 106 the values of the temperature transducer 32, the measured temperature, and the current sensor 21 are read.
At 108, the mode setting received from the remote controller, i.e. Digital Thermostat Mode or Control Mode, is checked. When the mode is Digital Thermostat Mode indicated by 110, the status of the elelement 34 is checked at 112. If the element 34 is switched on, then at 114 it is determined if the Standard heating temperature set point is higher than the measured temperature. If not, then the element is switched off at 116.
The exaggeration factor is calculated at 118, which calculation will be explained in more detail below.
At 120 the data that was calculated is stored.
If at 114, the Standard heating temperature set point is higher than the measured temperature, the element is switched on at 122, whereafter execution is directed to 118, where the exaggration factor is calculated.
If at 112 the element 34 is switched on, then at 124 it is checked if the Standard heating temperature set point minus the hysteresis setting is more than the measured temperature, in which case the element is switched on at 122. If not, execution is directed to 118, where the exaggeration factor is calculated.
If at 108 the mode setting received from the remote controller is Control mode, then execution is directed to 126, indicating control mode. At 128, it is determined if the measured temperature is less than the cold water avoidance temperature then execution is directed to
122, where the element 34 is switched on.
If at 128 it is determined that the measured temperature is more than the cold water avoidance temperature then execution is directed to 130, where it is determined if the desired status of a heating element has been set, in which case, if the status has not been set, execution is directed to 116, where the element has been switched off.
If at 130, the desired status of a heating element has been set, then at 132 it is determined if the Standard heating temperature set point is more than the measured temperature, in which case execution is directed to 122, where the element is switched on, else the element is switched off at 116.
Now referring to Figure 6, the calculation of the exaggeration factor indicated by reference numeral 118 in Figure 5 is described in more detail.
Execution starts at 150, whereafter it is detemined if the temperature has started rising at 152. If it has not, then execution is directed to the end 154.
If it is determined at 153 that the temperature has started rising, then at 156, it is checked if the exageration factor has been set to 1.0. If not, then at 158 it is determined of the measured temperature is less or equal to ambient temperature plus a constant value.
If at 158 it is determined that the measured temperature is more that ambient, indicating that the lower turning point of the figure 60 has not been reached, then at 160, the time to restore the temperature to the Standard heating temperature set point is calculated, as described above.
At 162, the time and date of the calculation is stored.
At 164 the measured temperature is compared to the Standard heating temperature set point and if it is not the same, i.e. indicating that the temperature is still rising, then exectution is directed back to 164.
If the measured temperature is the same as the Standard heating temperature set point, i.e. indicating that the temperature has reached the setpoint, then execution is directed to 166 where the time and date of the calculation is again stored.
At 168 the actual temperature restoration time is determined by subtracting the time/date stored at 162 from the time/date stored at 166.
The exaggeration factor is then determined by dividing the calculated time to restore by the actual time to restore the temperature to the Standard heating temperature set point.
At 170, the calculations are validated.
The invention illustrated thus provides a method of determining a time to restore the temperature of storage media to a predefined set point based on a measured temperature variation and historical data of the time to restore the media temperature to a predefined set-point.
Moreover, the invention illustrated provides a method of determining the amount of thermal energy which is stored in a thermal storage reservoir by using the time to restore the temperature of the thermal storage media to a predefined set point.
The inventor believes that the invention as illustrated provides a temperature controller, a method of estimating the time to restore the temperature of thermal storage media and a method of estimating the thermal energy stored in a storage reservoir without a need for complex mathematical modelling algorithms to model different types of reservoirs on which the temperature controller is to be used. The controller and method illustrated herein can be applied to a wide range of different thermal storage reservoirs, including liquid reservoirs.

Claims

1. A method of determining an amount of thermal energy stored in thermal storage media in a temperature controlled thermal storage reservoir in which a temperature of the thermal storage media can vary and in which the thermal storage media is to be maintained at a desired temperature, which method includes periodically measuring a temperature of the thermal storage media; calculating a rate of temperature change from the desired temperature of the thermal storage media; retrieving previously stored data representing an amount of thermal energy stored in the thermal storage media; and adding the rate of temperature change multiplied by a predefined constant value to the previously stored data.
2. The method of claim 1 , in which the temperature variations of the thermal storage media are caused by the extraction of a volume of liquid at a first temperature from a temperature controlled liquid reservoir and the introduction of an equivalent volume of fresh liquid at a second temperature into the liquid reservoir.
3. The method of any one of claims 1 or 2, which includes determining the predefined constant value by use of the relationship to which a calculated time to restore the temperature relates to a measured time to restore the temperature of the thermal storage media.
4. The method of claim 3 in which the calculated time to restore the temperature of the thermal storage media is based on the heat capacity of the thermal storage media, the measured temperature variation from the desired temperature, and the thermal energy exchanged with the thermal storage media.
5. The method as claimed in any one of claims 3 and 4, which includes storing the actual time to restore the temperature for a particular temperature variation.
6. A method of determining a time to restore a temperature of thermal storage media in a temperature controlled thermal storage reservoir in which a temperature of the thermal storage media can vary and in which the thermal storage media are to be maintained at a desired temperature, which method includes periodically measuring a temperature variation of the thermal storage media from the desired temperature of the thermal storage media; accessing predefined data which represent, for a temperature controlled thermal storage reservoir, times to restore the temperature of the thermal storage media for particular rate of temperature changes of the thermal storage media; and calculating the time to restore the temperature of the thermal storage media for the measured temperature variation by referencing the measured rate of temperature change to previously stored times to restore the temperature of the thermal storage media.
7. A method of determining a time to restore a temperature of thermal storage media in a temperature controlled thermal storage reservoir in which a temperature of the thermal storage media can vary and in which the thermal storage media are to be maintained at a desired temperature, which method includes periodically measuring a temperature variation of the thermal storage media from the desired temperature of the thermal storage media; accessing predefined data which represent, for a particular temperature controlled thermal storage reservoir, measured times to restore the temperature of the thermal storage media mapped to temperature variations; and calculating the time to restore the temperature of the thermal storage media for the measured temperature variation by referencing the measured temperature variation to at least one temperature variation in the predefined set of data.
8. The method as claimed in any one of claims 6 and 7, which includes calculating an amount of thermal energy in the thermal storage media by use of the heat capacity of the thermal media, the measured temperature variation from the desired temperature and the thermal energy exchanged with the thermal storage media.
9. The method of any one of claims 7 and 8, which includes, for a particular temperature controlled thermal storage reservoir, the prior step of storing the data representing times to restore the temperature of the thermal storage media to temperature variations of the thermal storage media.
10. The method of any one of claims 7 to 9 inclusive, which includes storing additional data with the data.
11. The method of any one of claims 6 to 10 in which the temperature variations of the thermal storage media are caused by the extraction of a volume of liquid at a first temperature from a temperature controlled liquid reservoir and the introduction of an equivalent volume of fresh liquid at a second temperature into the liquid reservoir.
12. The method of claim 11 , in which the additional data includes storage of any one or more of: a measured temperature of the liquid in the thermal storage reservoir, a calculated temperature of the liquid in the thermal storage reservoir, measured power introduced into the liquid, status of an electrical heating element, a status of a cooling arrangement and an ambient temperature of the fresh liquid.
13. The method of claim 12, which includes adjusting the calculated time to restore the temperature based on the additional data stored.
14. The method of claim 13, which includes storing more recent data and discarding previous data.
15. The method of claim 14 which includes updating the calculated time to restore the temperature if a further temperature variation of the thermal storage media occurs.
16. A temperature controller, which includes sensing means which is connectable to a thermal storage reservoir in which a temperature of the thermal storage media can vary and in which the thermal storage media are to be maintained at a desired temperature, the sensing means operable to sense a temperature of the thermal storage media; switching means which is controllably connectable to the thermal storage reservoir, the switching means operable to activate any one of a heating arrangement and a cooling arrangement to exchange thermal energy with the thermal storage media; data storage means operable to store previously recorded data which includes any one or more of a time to restore the temperature of the thermal storage media to the desired temperature referenced to a particular temperature variation, a previously recorded temperature of the thermal storage media, a slope of a temperature variation referenced to a particular time to restore the temperature of the thermal storage media, an ambient temperature of the thermal storage media; and control logic, connected to the sensing means and the switching means, the control logic operable to read a temperature of the thermal storage media from the sensing means, to access the data storage means and in response to activate the switching means when any one of a slope of a temperature variation corresponds to a predefined value and a sensed temperature of the thermal storage media corresponds to a predefined value.
17. The temperature controller of claim 16, which includes a communication interface operable to communicate with a remote controller thereby to exchange operating variables with the remote controller.
18. The temperature controller of any one of claims 16 and 17, which includes an auxiliary interface which is connectable to auxiliary equipment for controlling or monitoring by the temperature controller.
19. The temperature controller of any one of claims 16 to 18, which includes a user interface operable to communicate with a user.
20. The temperature controller of claim 19 in which the user interface includes input means permitting a user to input operating variables into the temperature controller.
21. The temperature controller of claim 20 in which the operating variable includes any one of a desired temperature value.
22. The temperature controller of any one of claims 19 to 21 in which the user interface includes display means for displaying any one of the desired temperature of the thermal storage media, the measured temperature of the thermal storage media, the calculated time to restore the temperature, the thermal energy of the thermal storage media and the status of the switching means.
23. The temperature controller of any one of claims 17 to 22 in which the control logic is operable to control the switching means in response to receiving a desired temperature restoration time from the remote system controller.
24. The temperature controller of claim 23 in which the control logic is operable to activate the switching means when the calculated temperature restoration time approximates the desired temperature restoration time.
25. A set of processor executable instructions which, when executed on a processor, directs the processor to implement the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15.
26. A machine readable data carrier, which includes a set of processor executable instructions as claimed in claim 25.
27. A method of claim 1, 6, and 7 substantially as herein described and illustrated.
28. A temperature controller of claim 16, substantially as herein described and illustrated.
29. A new method, substantially as herein described.
30. A new temperature controller, substantially as herein described.
PCT/ZA2006/000008 2005-01-24 2006-01-23 Temperature control WO2006079123A2 (en)

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