Objective
This proposal is prepared with the help of an Exploratory Award which included a Research Feasibility Study. The project addresses the efficient management of commercial and industrial gas and oil fired boilers through development of a n ovel retrofit control technology (device) which is: - self-tuning in differen t commissioning applications; - robust in application and use - i.e. achieves results in a wide range of applications and environments; - compatible with and complementary to current conventional boiler control systems. The risk o f achievement in these areas is high but a successful project will generate exc iting advances into the well known global issues related to use and sustainabil ity of fossil fuels. There are contingencies against these risks as confidence exists that much will be learnt about rectifying the recognised shortcomings in commissioning of European heating systems and programming of Building Manageme nt Systems (BMS). The return on EC investment is estimated at less than two years which is based on a conservative interpretation of results experienced in the Research Feasibility Study carried out during the Exploratory Phase. Fuel savings ranging from 26.5% to 36.0% were achieved from manually monitored and t uned prototypes over a short period in the demonstrations. The research is i ntended to investigate the claim that the unique processing of readily availabl e heating system information can result in successful boiler control strategies to improve efficiencies within a wide variation of heating systems, boiler des igns and building types under the varying occupancy and weather demands imposed on them. Resultant strategies will be sought for retrofit technology impleme ntation in accordance with the objectives of the RTD. Computer modelling usi ng test bed conditions will provide the major input to software development thr ough simulation of the above mentioned variations. Through the use of a purpose built research building in Italy the control technology will be monitored and studied in detail to evaluate its mutual relationship with building thermodynam ics. A highly effective retrofit practice will be pursued through a well s tructured methodological approach consisting of rapid prototype development usi ng a software test bed, supported by laboratory measurements, building thermody namics modelling and field testing across Europe. The involvement of Heating Plant specialists as Industrial Partners in the research is fundamental to the exploitation of the results. This adds credibility to the technology validatio n for the SME's European heating design consultants and sceptical end users.
Fields of science
- engineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringelectronic engineeringcontrol systems
- engineering and technologymechanical engineeringthermodynamic engineering
- natural sciencescomputer and information sciencessoftwaresoftware development
- engineering and technologyenvironmental engineeringenergy and fuels
Topic(s)
Call for proposal
Data not availableFunding Scheme
CRS - Cooperative research contractsCoordinator
PL1 3AE Plymouth
United Kingdom