Fuel economizer algorithm for hydronic and steam heating systems

Abstract

An economizer component of a controller used for fuel efficient temperature regulation of a medium circulated through a zone within a hydronic and steam heating system is disclosed. The controller component includes an input interface adapted to determine if the system requires heat based on receiving one or more of a call for heat from the zone, or an indication that a burner of the system is active. The component further includes a dynamic adaptation module configured to provide a burner control signal for heating the system if required. The control signal has an adjustable high limit, and the dynamic adaptation module is configured to increment the adjustable high limit by an increment value, to a value no greater than a maximum high limit, if it is determined that the system requires heat, and decrement the adjustable high limit by a decrement value, to a value no lower than a minimum high limit, if it is determined that the system does not require heat. The component is configured to dynamically adapt to changing heating system requirements received by the input interface. The component is adjusted by the dynamic adaptation module, to control the burner by way of the burner control signal to efficiently regulate the temperature of the medium circulated through the zone within the heating system.