On the control of heating systems in the UK

This paper reviews current heating system control practice in the UK through surveys, computer simulation and experimental studies. It is evident from the survey results that both boiler and heat emitter controls in the UK are generally poor. Computer simulation of a heating system demonstrated that the use of poorly commissioned boiler controls and the use of thermostatic valves with limited flow control leads to buildings not maintaining the desired internal temperatures. This results in occupant discomfort when under-heating occurs and excess fuel consumption when over-heating occurs. Finally, an experimental study demonstrated that a newly developed boiler control algorithm can offer significant energy savings by controlling the boiler more appropriately and reducing the effect of poor thermostatic radiator valve use.