To maintain a cozy and warm environment, a well-functioning heating system is essential, even in the presence of hail and snow. As you know, this system consists of a heat generator, a heating pump, heating pipes, radiators, and various critical components such as expansion tanks and safety valves. Combined with the system’s technology, which includes open-loop and closed-loop control functions, this ensures the perfect interaction of all components and the efficient, controlled, and reliable delivery of heat to the rooms through radiators or heating surfaces.
The terms “open-loop heating control” and “closed-loop heating control” are often abbreviated to “heating control,” as if the two terms were interchangeable. However, there is a small, yet subtle, difference between them.
Open-loop heating control refers to processing an input variable to achieve a target variable. In other words, open-loop heating control automatically turns on the heat generator as soon as the input variable, such as the outside temperature, drops below a certain value. In this case, the heat generator supplies heat until the target variable is reached, for example, 21 degrees Celsius in the living room.
Compared to open-loop heating control, closed-loop heating control goes a step further. It doesn’t simply process the input variable to achieve the target variable. It also monitors whether that target variable is achieved. To do this, it measures the current temperature in the reference room and compares it with the target variable. If these two values differ, a command is issued and executed, thereby ensuring that the actual value matches the target. Closed-loop heating control also takes into account such intrusive factors as open windows, additional heat from solar radiation, and the presence of people.
In practice, the entire heating process is somewhat more complex. For example, a Viessmann boiler is equipped with or connected to not just one, but several control units for processing information. Therefore, in the case of modern heating systems, experts speak of a combination of open and closed heating control loops. Only this can ensure not only safe but also cost-effective and technically efficient achievement of the setpoint.
If the outside temperature sensor is faulty or there is an error in the heating system control, a heating contractor should be contacted immediately due to the complexity of the closed loop control system.
“Power is nothing without control,” goes the well-known advertising slogan. We can also interpret this to mean that only an open and closed-loop control system makes a product what it is: an intelligently designed end result. Viessmann’s closed-loop, communicative Vitotronic control system is the beating heart of every heat generator. Whether small boilers, wall-mounted boilers, mid-sized boilers, industrial/commercial boilers, or heat pumps, there’s a suitable Vitotronic version for every system. The open-loop and closed-loop control system ensures economical and safe operation, and is also extremely user-friendly. The control menu is intuitive, and the ease of use is exceptional.
The most convenient way to control a heating system is with a remote control. Viessmann has developed several models for this purpose. They can control one or more heating circuits, depending on the type. It is also possible to simultaneously control up to four boilers in an open circuit (cascade control). Important functions, such as displaying all necessary information, are preinstalled in all models and supplied from the factory.
For even greater convenience, Viessmann heating systems can be controlled via an app. This requires an interface such as Vitoconnect , a mobile device with internet access, such as a smartphone or tablet, and the Viessmann ViCare app. If all requirements are met, heating system owners can control their systems even on the go, for example, adjusting the temperature or changing the switching times. They also have the option to contact their heating contractor with a single touch of the screen. A combination of the remote control and the app is also possible. Detailed information on this can be found on the Viessmann apps page .
Many heating systems are weather-compensated. This means the heat generator adjusts the flow temperature based on the outside temperature. Once the system is adjusted and configured by a heating contractor, system owners can enjoy the convenience of heating.
