In the quest to enhance the efficiency and comfort of building heating systems, a groundbreaking study led by Ekaterina Boyko from the Department of Research on the Relationship between Energy and the Economy at the Energy Research Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences is making waves. Published in the journal ‘Technologies’ (translated from Russian as ‘Технологии’), Boyko’s research introduces the concept of an intelligent active individual heating point (IAIHP), a innovation poised to revolutionize third-generation centralized heating systems.
Third-generation centralized heating systems, while widespread, often fall short of delivering optimal thermal comfort due to their passive nature and reliance on outdated control mechanisms. “These systems operate based on design high-temperature schedules and centralized control, without considering the actual thermal loads of consumers,” Boyko explains. This disconnect can lead to significant deviations in thermal conditions, disrupting comfort and energy efficiency.
Boyko’s proposed solution, the IAIHP, acts as a local thermal energy source within the building heat supply system (BHSS). It compensates for deviations in heat transfer medium parameters, ensuring consistent thermal comfort. “The IAIHP provides adaptive qualitative–quantitative regulation of heat transfer medium parameters at the level of individual buildings,” Boyko states. This innovative approach differs from traditional methods that focus on demand-side management, thermal energy storage, or the integration of renewable energy sources.
The commercial implications of this research are substantial. By enhancing the energy efficiency of urban heating networks, the IAIHP can lead to significant cost savings for both consumers and energy providers. The study also presents a methodology for selecting the capacity of a local heat source and outlines the operating algorithm of the automatic control system of the IAIHP, providing a clear path for implementation.
Currently, the reconstruction of an individual heating point of a kindergarten connected via a dependent scheme is underway, based on the developed project documentation. Modeling and calculations show that the application of the IAIHP can ensure indoor thermal comfort by reducing the risk of temperature deviations, which are otherwise typically compensated for by electric heaters.
The proposed concept not only enhances the performance of third-generation centralized heating systems but also paves the way for a gradual transition to fourth-generation systems. “Equipping the IAIHP with an intelligent control system opens opportunities for improving the energy efficiency of urban heating networks,” Boyko notes.
This research is particularly relevant for countries operating third-generation centralized heating systems, including Russia and other Northern and Eastern European states. As large-scale infrastructure modernization and the implementation of fourth-generation technologies remain technically or economically constrained, the IAIHP offers a practical and immediate solution.
In conclusion, Boyko’s research represents a significant step forward in the field of building heating systems. By addressing the shortcomings of third-generation systems and providing a clear pathway for improvement, the IAIHP has the potential to reshape the energy sector and enhance thermal comfort for consumers worldwide.