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| An important component of a safe and affordable energy supply  The intelligent networking of modern technologies such as heating, the electrical network, and information technology is becoming an important component of a safe and affordable energy supply. However, this also opens up new potentials for efficiency in the home. Increasing energy efficiency and reducing energy costs through networking are no longer fantasies. Today, Viessmann already offers a variety of innovative solutions – for domestic automation, the optimization of private consumption of photovoltaic electricity, remote monitoring, and the integration of heat pumps and CHP systems in intelligent power networks (smart grids).Viessmann uses the term "Smart Home" to describe the options for increasing efficiency through networking within a house or apartment. The new Vitocomfort 200 home automation system networks heating supply and power consumer via wireless communication. It is directly connected to the heating generator and takes into account the individual temperature desires of the residents depending on time of day and room. In this way, the respective optimum flow temperature is set and thus the efficiency of the heating supply is increased. Furthermore, depending on the specifications of the user, the Vitocomfort 200 also controls the operation of electrical consumers such as lighting, washing machines, and stereo systems, and monitors their energy use. The output of an installed solar system is also shown and documented. Depending on the electricity rate, it can be worthwhile to use power you generate from renewable sources yourself. This is the case when the financial gain to be expected in accordance with the German Renewable Energy Law (EEG) is lower than the current energy purchasing costs. With the new Vitovolt 200 battery storage system from Viessmann, electricity from the photovoltaic system which is currently not needed can be stored and then be available later to power lights, a washing machine, or the television. This way, the maximum self-generated electricity is used in your own home, and the expensive purchase of electricity from the grid is reduced. Another example of Smart Solar and the maximization of private consumption is the innovative Vitotronic 200 control unit which connects the Vitocal heat pumps with ventilation and photovoltaic systems and optimizes their interaction. The efficient heat pumps multiply the solar energy yield by generating up to five times the heating energy from one kilowatt of solar energy and the heat from the air or ground. In summer, it can also be used for cooling the building through reversible operation of the large amount of solar energy available. An eye on every process, all the time: That increases efficiency and likewise convenience and guarantees especially high operational reliability. The remote monitoring, operation, and maintenance of heating systems is possible over a variety of communication pathways, such as the Internet and GSM (global system for mobile communications). With the Vitotrol app, Viessmann offers users an especially easy-to-use remote control unit. The entire heating system of a single-family home can be operated with a smartphone even while on the go. With the new Vitocomfort app there is also the option of checking and controlling all the electrical consumers in the house and monitoring windows, doors, and rooms, and automating all of these as a total system. Viessmann TeleControl systems such as Vitocom with Vitodata allow specialized companies, contractors, industrial companies, and communities to control heating systems and energy centers remotely at any time. This also includes remote parameterization of systems. Thus, malfunctions can be recognized early and measures can be taken in a timely manner. In addition, maintenance dates can be planned exactly and service visits reduced. At the same time, the operational reliability of the systems is increased. The intelligent power grid is an important component of the changing energy policy. With the expansion of renewable energies, the share of fluctuating power increases. The renewable energies of wind and sun are not always available. Thus, there are occasional peaks in the power supply, while at other times not enough power is generated to meet demand. Currently, these fluctuations can still be covered by conventional power plants. However, with the increasing share of renewable energy, these control options are dwindling. Therefore, the power supply must change – in the future, power generation and consumption must be coordinated in intelligent power grids. In the power grid of the future, buildings are not only consumers, but also power generators. Local thermal power stations and micro-CHP systems in individual homes produce – like a single virtual power plant – power for the public supply as needed. Operators receive payment for it. However, flexible rates also provide balance between supply and demand in the smart grid. When power is inexpensive, heat pumps generate heat which is stored and then used when power is expensive. That significantly reduces the overall demand. With their integrated interfaces, Viessmann products are already well-prepared today. Thus, Vitocal heat pumps with the Vitotronic 200 (WO1C) control unit are ready for the coming smart grids. For thermal power stations and micro CHP systems and for the coming fuel cell heating systems, Viessmann is currently developing and testing the basis for the power grid-dependent control in the plant complex as virtual power plants in a series of pilot projects in conjunction with energy suppliers. Viessmann participates in, among other things, the "E-Energy – Smart Grids made in Germany" project of the Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology and the Federal Ministry of the Environment, in which smart grid technologies are being tested under real-world conditions in several model regions. write your comments about the article :: © 2013 Construction News :: home page |