Thanks for posting this @BPLightlog . It's very interesting.
A number of people on heat pump forums have made efficiency gains by using the functionality built into the controllers rather than using weather compensation. The Mitsubishi controller, in particular, can often get better efficiency by using both internal and external temperatures to manage the flow temperature. You simply set the internal target temperature and it works out the most efficient way to achieve it.
Maybe the boiler and heat pump manufacturers are actually building systems designed to get maximum efficiency without needing lots of adjustment by the user.
Thanks for posting this @BPLightlog . It's very interesting.
A number of people on heat pump forums have made efficiency gains by using the functionality built into the controllers rather than using weather compensation. The Mitsubishi controller, in particular, can often get better efficiency by using both internal and external temperatures to manage the flow temperature. You simply set the internal target temperature and it works out the most efficient way to achieve it.
Maybe the boiler and heat pump manufacturers are actually building systems designed to get maximum efficiency without needing lots of adjustment by the user.
I have come to that conclusion from gathering this info. The boiler is fairly new (2 years old) and I understood it to be built with energy saving in mind. It’s a combi, condensing version and does adjust flow temperature as mentioned earlier. But like other areas of newer technology, there seems little in the way of useful information from manufacturers about how to maximise the built in capabilities.
I appreciate that my room layout being mostly open plan might be quite different to others but a few suggestions on a few variations would have been useful.
We have a similar setup, but only using a Bosch EasyControl. It has been set up by ‘trial and error’ and a bit of internet help. There is plenty of room for error and very little help from Bosch.
We use a room influence of 2, found as recommended by Bosch engineer on internet,
living area day temperature 19 C,
and a night threshold of 15 C, we don’t like it too hot, but again Bosch recommend keeping the house ‘fabric’ at a minimum of 15C. Keeping the ‘fabric temperature’ up does seem to make the house more comfortable, presumably the effect of radiated heat.
The curve is still being tweaked, it’s working reasonably well, but have yet to test it at the extremes.
I would not rely on day to day variation in consumption, there are far too many variables and lag in the system. I often see these effects, no system changes, but a warmer day using more energy than the previous cold day and this applied pre weather compensation. On our system we seem to see a gain when comparing equivalent monthly data, but as the boiler is already ‘smart’ we expect the gains are going to be small.
I also have the Bosch easy control and with so many different circumstances it’s unique to the property where installed. I have a Worcester 30cdi and was struggling with the boiler operation (short cycling) after endlessly looking for an answer I found the sweet spot.
What worked with my set up was to range rate the boiler to match the heat demand or just above, yes I know you shouldn’t have to as it’s a modulating boiler but hear me out. I had also noticed that in my area the internet based outdoor temperature was out sometimes by 4/5 degrees, so I fitted an outdoor sensor to a north facing wall. My room influence setting was on two (medium influence) but the system was still not quite right, the below settings made all the difference.
Range rate boiler ( 30kw to 11kw with my demand)
Outdoor sensor (made a big difference)
Hot water off — (combi only)
Easy control temp — 18.5 degrees
Room influence— None (0) Off (Given time stopped boiler cycling with the aid of range rating)
Heat curve — 20 / 82
max flow temperature 75 degrees (although it rarely gets above 65)
Optimisation — on (although this will operate the boiler an hour or two before set start time)
Clock Times — 6am through to 10pm @ 18.5 degrees (bedrooms @16,5 degrees, zoned)
Night time set back — 12 degrees
Summer set Back — 16 degrees
I have the Bosch smart Trv’s that are set to automatic hydraulic balancing, manual Trv’s I would assume be left wide open until the system settles down enabling you to adjust to your needs (bedrooms)
Since making the adjustments the heating has taken on a very noticeable difference with comfort and economy, keep in mind that any adjustment will take time to adjust (allow a day or two).
My system will now return a comfortable indoor temperature, plus being on for approximately 16 hours a day (and when I say on the boiler will only top up when needed).
Although this goes against all recommendations for saving gas, in fact with my circumstance it works out cheaper to leave it on for longer spells as recommended by the manufacturer.
Great results, @Simon.p
You might find this similar topic posted by the like minded @BeePee worth a look and consider sharing this there:
