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Publication type:	Conference paper
Type of review:	Peer review (abstract)
Title:	Smart radiator based on energy harvesting
Authors:	Gruber, Juan-Mario Mathis, Simon
et. al:	No
Proceedings:	Proceedings of the Wireless Congress 2020 : Systems & Applications
Conference details:	Wireless Congress 2020 : Systems & Applications, virtual, 10-12 November 2020
Issue Date:	10-Nov-2020
Publisher / Ed. Institution:	WEKA
Publisher / Ed. Institution:	München
Language:	English
Subjects:	Energy harvesting; Smart home; Wireless
Subject (DDC):	004: Computer science 620: Engineering
Abstract:	This paper presents a cost effective holistic approach of a smart radiator. All components are integrated into the radiator. Traditional radiator thermostats use a temperature sensitive fluid to regulate the ambient room temperature. However, in certain circumstances non-electric thermostats lack the ability to regulate energy efficiently regarding the inhabitants needs. Battery-driven thermostats can minimize energy wasting by adjusting the room temperature automatically, but batteries must be changed after a certain amount of time. Heating thermostats with energy harvesting have limitations regarding the thermal connection and mechanics. This leads to lower system availability at higher costs. In cooperation with Zehnder Group the Institute of Embedded Systems (InES) developed a fully integrated cost optimized energy harvesting solution for a smart radiator, called “Zehnder Zmart”. It is a completely new approach. Electrical and mechanical components are consequently designed for a effective energy harvesting solution. All components are fully integrated into the radiator system. Using the temperature difference between the radiators water in- and outlet allows higher energy harvesting performance. A specially developed DC-DC converter for input voltages as low as 15 mV allows energy harvesting starting at 1.5 K temperature differences. This enables the use of low cost thermoelectric generators (TEG). The harvested energy from the TEG is stored in a low-leakage, high capacity lithium ion capacitor. In combination with the energetically optimized drive and valve, the system availability is comparable with a battery based solution. Using an 868 MHz transceiver, the radiator communicates with the base station. A predictive controlling of the ambient temperature is implemented on the radiators microcontroller. The radiator system embeds energy conversion, temperature controlling, valve driving and other necessary features and mounts on existing pipes directly. For conducting tests, a prototype of the smart radiator was installed and tested in a professional heating laboratory. The performed tests show the potential of the smart radiator. Under realistic conditions, the radiator collected enough energy for autarkic operation. It is possible to fully open or close the valve every 5 minutes. By using a thermoelectric generator, batteries or no longer have to replaced. In particular, installation and maintenance costs of complex or large-scale heating systems with radiators can be reduced.
URI:	https://digitalcollection.zhaw.ch/handle/11475/21553
Fulltext version:	Published version
License (according to publishing contract):	Licence according to publishing contract
Departement:	School of Engineering
Organisational Unit:	Institute of Embedded Systems (InES)
Appears in collections:	Publikationen School of Engineering

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