A simplified physical model for estimating the average air temperature in multi-zone heating systems

A simplified model for estimating the average air temperature in multi-zone heating systems has been developed for use in an inferential boiler control scheme (Building Services Eng. Res. Technol. 24(4) (2003) 245), which can significantly improve the overall performance of heating systems. The model can maintain the long-term accuracy required by the control scheme as well as the simplicity in configuration and commissioning. This paper also presents the method for commissioning the model, the validation of the model using experimental data obtained from different resources, and the application of the model in the control of boilers in multi-zone heating systems.